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Tomb guardian, one of a pair
Tomb guardian, one of a pair

Tomb guardian, one of a pair

Place of OriginShaanxi or Henan province, China; Shaanxi or Henan province
Date618-907
DynastyTang dynasty (618-907)
MaterialsEarthenware with glaze
DimensionsH. 48 1/2 in x W. 21 in x D. 12 in, H. 123.2 cm x W. 53.3 cm x D. 30.5 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60S154+
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsSculpture
On View
On view
Location
  • Temporary Location   Gallery 15
Text Entries
Based on Buddhist guardian images, this pair [B60S154+ and B60S155+] of fierce warriors trampling on demons was made to keep unwanted spirits out of a tomb. Though the goals of Buddhism and Chinese ancestor worship seem totally at odds (Buddhism sought an end to the cycle of birth and death, while ancestor worship sought to perpetuate the spirit of the dead), the two practices sometimes influenced each other.
Subject
  • tomb
  • guardian