Name/Title
Tomb Guardian With EarsDescription
Set of small-sized ceramic statues measuring 24" in height. They have very furrowed brows and intimidating faces with long wings, gills coming out of the sides of its head and a horn at the top of its head. It has the body of a dog. One of the statues is missing the wings/ gills on the side of its head. The statues are most likely unglazed or painted, which has since faded.
(If displayed, use In Honor of Mitch Field)Context
These composite creatures were popular during the Tang Dynasty and were meant to scare off grave robbers and they help the deceased from roaming aimlessly around the outside world. They would often be placed in a group of 4 (2 zenmushou and 2 lokapala) and were used in the burials of the upper class of China. Around 700, a new type of lead glazing called Sancai (3 colored glaze in amber, green, and white) appeared that would form distinctive streaks down thte body of the figure and this glaze generally lasted pretty well. For the Zenmushou specifically, the body of the creature would be glazed while the head would not be. These statues lack that type of glaze.