China, Tang Dynasty, 618-907 CE. Earth Spirit figures or zhenmushou (grave-quelling beasts) are tomb figures created to represent fantastical animal guardians for the elite deceased. This tradition began during the Northern Wei dynasty (386 - 534 CE) and continued into the Tang dynasty. These guardians were created in the form of hybrid creatures composed of various animal and sometimes human elements and placed in tombs to ward off evil beings who threatened to disturb the deceased. This particular Earth Spirit figure was modeled with terracotta, its body painted with white slip, with red slip on the lips. It displays human facial features, sits like an alert dog on four hoofed feet, and its back has a ridged spine from base of neck to bottom suggesting that the artist was also referencing a dragon form. A marvelous hybrid beast! Custom storage box. 11 1/2" (29 cm) H x 7" (17.75 cm) L x 4-3/4(12 cm) W.

Provenance: Ex-D. Smith Collection, CA; Ex-5000Art.com Fine Chinese Antiques; Ex-Reminiscence Culture Co. Ltd.

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#80049

Restoration to neck. Overall excellent.