Figurine thumbnail 1
On display
Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Figurine

ca. 585-600 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Sculptures of this kind were placed at the two sides of the 'spirit road' (shendao), the path leading to the tombs of emperors, high-ranking officers or aristocrats. The figures, depicting animals, guardians and officers, were arranged in pair, one facing the other, and were meant to guard the burial area.

Object details

Category
Object type
Materials and techniques
White marble
Brief description
Figurine, in the form of ram, white marble, China, Northern Dynasties period, ca.585-600
Physical description
White marble sculpture in the shape a squatted ram with legs flexed under the body, broad tail, bulging eyes, and horns attached to the head; the body is cylindrical and roughly modelled. The material is a coarse white marble with veins of clay.
Dimensions
  • Length: 127cm
  • Width: 77cm
  • Height: 61cm
  • Weight: 660kg
From register
Style
Gallery label
(June 1991)
Ram, carved marble
Tang dynasty, about AD 700
Large stone animals were placed along the 'spirit path' leading to mausoleums of emperors and high-ranking officials. This ram came from Hebei province, southwest of Peking.
Subjects depicted
Summary
Sculptures of this kind were placed at the two sides of the 'spirit road' (shendao), the path leading to the tombs of emperors, high-ranking officers or aristocrats. The figures, depicting animals, guardians and officers, were arranged in pair, one facing the other, and were meant to guard the burial area.
Collection
Accession number
A.1-1928

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Record createdOctober 2, 2008
Record URL
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