Lot 108
East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE. A magnificent guardian figure called a zhenmushou (grave-quelling beast) or earth spirit presenting a characteristic fantastical hybrid, creature-like form comprised of elements of several different animals enveloped in liberal remains of white pigment. Seated on its haunches, the beast faces forward with a ferocious appearance of bulging eyes, a furrowed brow, a round snout with a broad nose, and a gaping mouth exposing sharp fangs, all surmounted by a pair of curved horns. Earth spirits like this example were traditionally believed to hold apotropaic powers and were used to ward off evil beings or spirits. Size: 4.7" W x 13.5" H (11.9 cm x 34.3 cm)
The Tang Dynasty was a thrilling time in Chinese history when trade flourished along the Silk Routes and unified China was the richest country on earth. Chang'an (now Xi'an) was the Tang capital, and it was one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth, filled with foreigners who had travelled to China to trade; the influence of foreigners and talented native Chinese, combined with the economic prosperity brought on by trade and the new religion from India, Buddhism, created a powerful cultural milieu where poetry and other forms of art flourished.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.
Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#171883
- Condition: Repaired with break lines and some adhesive visible. Light restoration in a few areas. Some chipping and minor losses along a few break lines, as well as to tips of horns, base, ears, and shoulders. Expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, very nice with liberal remains of pigments. TL holes to base and back of right ear.
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