|
HOME :
Chinese Art :
Tang Dynasty : Tang Sculpture of a Spirit Guardian
|
 |
|
|
|
Tang Sculpture of a Spirit Guardian - H.516
Origin: China
Circa: 618
AD
to 907
AD
Dimensions:
14" (35.6cm) high
x 6" (15.2cm) wide
Catalogue: V17
Collection: Chinese
Medium: Terracotta
Additional Information: HK
£8,000.00
Location: Great Britain
|
|
|
| Photo Gallery |
|
|
| Description |
As new philosophical and religious strands
penetrated the thought system of early China, the
subject matter of tomb objects and tomb patterns
changed. The past practice of entombing elite
members of society with earthenware objects
continued throughout the early and middle Tang
period, but the earlier emphasis placed on recreating
daily life shifted to flaunting status and excess.
Tombs were no longer "underground houses," but
became a landscape with murals depicting the
palaces, gardens, and open countryside in which the
nobles passed their lives. Buddhist Guardian beings,
including both supernatural humans and animals,
reflected this trend toward elaborateness as they
functioned to provide protection, links with the spirit
world, and status. It is no doubt this guardian figure
served that purpose for its master. Its ferociousness
is felt through the sight and sound of its growl,
triggered by the approach of danger; it was believed
that this beast took life during the depths of night or
at moments of threat. Equipped with wings, cloven
hooves, a long spiny tail that continued up its back,
and a snout, the guardian animal was a coming
together of the best features of different animals:
lion, horse, and dragon. This guardian beast
crouches in a lion-like stance, thrusting its chest
forward and drawing back its head. Although once
painted in bright colors, the hardship of years of
underground burial have caused the red, blue, and
white coatings to fade. This guardian figure surely
captures the vitality and spirit of supernatural beings
in its awesome form. Created during one of the
greatest periods in Chinese history, it reflects the
artistic vitality of the time and provides us with a
unique glimpse into the luxurious and sophisticated
world of contemporary upper class life.
- (H.516)
|
| |
|
