Tomb guardian creature [pair with S1997.24]

Large, ceramic figure of a stylized demon/animal, perched on top of a high pedestal. Animal-like body rests on its back haunches, with straigh front legs freestanding. Lion-like head has four horns which rise up and out from the top. The head is surrounded by a mane of flame-like spikes. Large wings flare up and out from the upper body. Almost all of the figure is covered with polychrome glazes, typical of the Tang dynasty, yellow, green, brown, and white.

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Historical period(s)
Tang dynasty, ca. 700-740
Medium
Earthenware with copper- and iron-tinted and clear lead-silicate glazes
Dimensions
H x W x D: 95.7 x 35.7 x 31.5 cm (37 11/16 x 14 1/16 x 12 3/8 in)
Geography
China, Henan or Shaanxi province
Credit Line
Gift of The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Collection
Accession Number
S1997.25
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Sculpture
Type

Tomb figure: tomb guardian

Keywords
China, earthenware, Tang dynasty (618 - 907), tomb, tomb guardian
Provenance

To 1965
J. T. Tai & Co., New York, NY [1]

From 1965 to 1987
Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), New York, New York, purchased from J. T. Tai & Co., New York, NY [2]

From 1987 to 1996
Estate of Arthur M. Sackler [3]

From 1996 to 1997
Else Jorgensen Sackler (1913-2000), by inheritance from the Estate of Arthur M. Sackler[4]

1997
The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, New York, NY, gift of Else Jorgensen Sackler [5]

From 1997
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, New York, NY [6]

Notes:

[1] See Provenance record from the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation faxed on March 31, 1997, copy in object file. J.T. Dealer No. YT-4861.

[2] See object file.

[3] See note 3.

[4] Else Sackler received the object from the Estate of Arthur M. Sackler in 1996. See Provenance record from the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation faxed on March 31, 1997, copy in object file.

[5] The object was gifted to the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation by Else Sackler in 1997. See Provenance record from the Arthur M. Sackler Foundation faxed on March 31, 1997, copy in object file. See also Curatorial Remark 3 in the object record with notes from Bruce Young dated Jan 29, 1997.

[6] See Acquisition Consideration Form, copy in object file.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

The Arthur M. Sackler Collections Trust
Mrs. Else Sackler 1913-2000
Dr. Arthur M. Sackler 1913-1987
J.T. Tai & Co. established in 1950
Arthur M. Sackler Foundation founded 1965

Description

Large, ceramic figure of a stylized demon/animal, perched on top of a high pedestal. Animal-like body rests on its back haunches, with straigh front legs freestanding. Lion-like head has four horns which rise up and out from the top. The head is surrounded by a mane of flame-like spikes. Large wings flare up and out from the upper body. Almost all of the figure is covered with polychrome glazes, typical of the Tang dynasty, yellow, green, brown, and white.

Label

Fearsome composite creatures such as this are among the most admired objects from the Tang dynasty (618-907). With grimacing human or bestial faces, wings, and flaming manes, these fantastic creatures were made as guardians for the tombs of princes and high-ranking nobles to ward off evil forces. The random patterns created by running glazes in cream, brown, and green, a dramatic effect deliberately exploited by Tang potters, further accentuate their energy and power.

Published References
  • Ancient Mortuary Traditions of China: Papers of Chinese Ceramic Funerary Sculptures. Honolulu. pp. 84-93.
  • William Watson. Tang and Liao Ceramics. New York, 1984. pp. 205-210.
  • Thomas Lawton, Thomas W. Lentz. Beyond the Legacy: Anniversary Acquisitions for the Freer Gallery of Art and the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. vol. 1 Washington, 1998. p. 228.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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