A PAIR OF UNGLAZED POTTERY MODELS OF EARTH SPIRITS
early 7th century Tang dynasty
618-906 AD
China
Each is modelled as a fabulous and terrifying creature
- and seated on its haunches upon a square base.
One earth spirit has claw feet, scales like those
on a dragon along the spine, and large ears; there
is a sun burst of stylised hair around its face,
bulging eyes, and a large detachable horn above
the forehead.
The second creature has hoof feet, a scaly spine
and short wings that swoop either side of the
head; the face has bulging eyes, large fang teeth,
a beard, and three horns above its forehead -
the central one being detachable.
The earth spirits have a particularly strong
sculptural quality, and there are traces of the
original cold pigment decoration remaining.
Originally these creatures would have been placed
at the entrance of a high ranking person’s
tomb - to ward off the evil spirits.
Height: 40” 36”
Width: 14” 15.5”
Depth: 21” 20”
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