Figure
Figure
early 8th century (made)
early 8th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Figure with the head of a rat, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac. Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip. It is represented as a human figure with the head of a rat, hands folded across the chest, draped in a long cloak.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Title | Figure (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip |
| Brief description | Figure with the head of a rat, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac, earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip, China, Tang dynasty, early 8th century |
| Physical description | Figure with the head of a rat, one of a set of twelve representing the signs of the zodiac. Earthenware with traces of pigment over a white slip. It is represented as a human figure with the head of a rat, hands folded across the chest, draped in a long cloak. |
| Dimensions |
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| Style | |
| Credit line | Given by Mr H. K. Burnet through the National Art-Collections Fund |
| Object history | Using animals as signs in the calendar system first appeared in the Warring States period (475-221 BC) and during the Sui and Tang dynasties the animals appeared in many forms in tombs. Each animal is believed to exercise an influence according to its own attributes over the hour, day or year appropriate to it. |
| Production | Label, 1994 |
| Subjects depicted | |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | C.103-1929 |
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| Record created | December 30, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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