Tomb Guardians
詳細資料
With their fierce expressions and exaggerated physical features, these two fantastic guardian creatures were intended to guard the entrance to a tomb, warding off evil as well as keeping the soul of the deceased from wandering. Known as "earth spirits" or qitou, they are markedly different in appearance: one has an animal face and a pair of antlers growing above its eyebrows; the other sports a human face with huge protruding ears and a short horn surrounded by fiery, twisting hair. Their many elongated spikes heighten the fearful intensity.Before tomb sculptures were placed in the tomb, they were carried through the streets in a funerary procession. Funerary gifts provided the deceased with means for the afterlife. They were also an expression of filial piety and demonstrated the wealth and power of the descendants.
These guardians were meant to keep the tomb safe as well as contain the soul of the deceased.
Gift of various donors to the department of Asian Art (by exchange)
?-2000(Kaikodo America Inc., New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art)
2000-The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
Part 1: 92.3 x 43.8 x 41.9 公分 (36 5/16 x 17 1/4 x 16 1/2 英吋)
Part 2: 88.9 x 41 x 50.8 公分 (35 x 16 1/8 x 20 英吋)
陶瓷
三彩