This fierce seated anthropomorphic archaic jade figure with stylistic bird is an example of funerary art, an earth spirit serving as a protective tomb guardian, most likely from the Shang Dynasty (1600 to 1046 bce), Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 bce), Qin Dynasty (221-207 bce), or the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 ce). Early tomb guardian beasts or demons were created in bronze, stone, or wood to protect the dead from evil disturbances so that the dead could keep on enjoying luxury after life. By the Tang Dynasty, tomb guardians of brilliantly glazed ceramic, are generally found in pairs, one with the face of a man or demon, and the other with the face of a stylized beast or bird. This heavy sculpture is 8-7/8 inches tall, 2-3/8 inches wide, and 5 inches deep.

The sculpture is sound with no noted defects. The nephrite exhibits surface alteration from age and patina from professional restoration. From a private collection, this artifact is clean, however will be sold without further restoration (as is).