Tomb Guardian Beast

Currently not on view

Tomb Guardian Beast

317-589

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Known as zhenmu shou (tomb guardian beast) in Chinese, grotesque creatures like this one served as burial objects to protect the tombs of aristocrats and high officials. They were usually placed at the entrance to the main tomb chambers, together with other ceramic figures, to drive away malevolent forces.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

Tomb Guardian Beast
Guardian Figure

Date:

317-589

Artist:

Artist/maker unknown, Chinese

Medium:

Earthenware with traces of painted decoration

Dimensions:

10 1/4 x 6 5/16 inches (26.1 x 16 cm)

Classification:

Ceremonial

Credit Line:

Gift of Charles H. Ludington from the George Crofts Collection, 1923

Accession Number:

1923-21-513

Geography:

Made in China, Asia

Context:

Dynasty: Northern and Southern Dynasties (317-589)

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Currently not on view