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Tomb Guardians

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Tomb Guardian
Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Tomb Guardian

Chinese Tang Dynasty-Style Sancai Glazed Terra Cotta Tomb Guardian

Located in Queens, NY

Antique Chinese Tang Dynasty-style terra cotta tomb guardian figure seen in its typical stance of one foot higher than the other as it rests on an animal ‚Äì in this figure, a cow ‚Ä...

Category

20th Century Chinese Export Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Song Dynasty, Antique Chinese Pottery Tomb Guardian Panel with Stand
Song Dynasty, Antique Chinese Pottery Tomb Guardian Panel with Stand

Song Dynasty, Antique Chinese Pottery Tomb Guardian Panel with Stand

Located in Sampantawong, TH

Antique Chinese pottery tomb guardian panel with stand. Age: China, Song Dynasty, 10th - 12th Century Size of panel only: Height 15.8 C.M. / Width 12.5 C.M.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

A Large Tang Dynasty Zhenmushou Tomb Guardian Figure
A Large Tang Dynasty Zhenmushou Tomb Guardian Figure

A Large Tang Dynasty Zhenmushou Tomb Guardian Figure

Located in Chicago, IL

Tang Dynasty, China, 618–907 CE Chinese terracotta tomb guardian figure modeled with powerful features and an imposing stance intended to ward off evil spirits.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Pair of Tang Dynasty Sancai Glazed Tomb Guardians, Zhenmushou, 7th-8th Century
Pair of Tang Dynasty Sancai Glazed Tomb Guardians, Zhenmushou, 7th-8th Century

Pair of Tang Dynasty Sancai Glazed Tomb Guardians, Zhenmushou, 7th-8th Century

Located in Austin, TX

A fantastic and powerful pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty three-color (sancai) glazed zhenmushou, tomb guardian figures, late 7th or early 8th century.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Earthenware

Pair Rare and Important Chinese Ceramic Tomb Guardians Tang Dynasty with TL Test
Pair Rare and Important Chinese Ceramic Tomb Guardians Tang Dynasty with TL Test

Pair Rare and Important Chinese Ceramic Tomb Guardians Tang Dynasty with TL Test

Located in Atlanta, GA

A pair of magnificent Chinese Tomb Guardian statues dated to Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and confirmed by TL tests.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Earthenware

Tang Dynasty Pottery Lokapala Tomb Figure
Tang Dynasty Pottery Lokapala Tomb Figure

Tang Dynasty Pottery Lokapala Tomb Figure

Located in Dallas, TX

Originating in the Lokapala deity of the Buddhist religion, which came to China from the West, this type of armored tomb guardian had an apotropaic function in Chinese burials.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Vintage Commemorative Medal of the Fiftieth anniversary, 1932
Vintage Commemorative Medal of the Fiftieth anniversary, 1932

Vintage Commemorative Medal of the Fiftieth anniversary, 1932

Located in Roma, IT

Reverse (back): The inscription reads: A GIUSEPPE GARIBALDI nel cinquantenario della morte Evve infinita che ti arrida Mi popol nei secoli Della tomba vigile custode La città di La ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Italian Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Bronze

China 618-907 AD Tang Dynasty Pair Of Polychromate Earth Spirits Zhenmushou
China 618-907 AD Tang Dynasty Pair Of Polychromate Earth Spirits Zhenmushou

China 618-907 AD Tang Dynasty Pair Of Polychromate Earth Spirits Zhenmushou

Located in Miami, FL

Have been believed to protect the living by keeping the spirits of the dead from inappropriately roaming the world outside the tomb. Zhenmushou or guardian deities, developed from...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities

Materials

Earthenware, Pottery

Elegant Terracotta Standing Court Dignitary, Tang Dynasty, EU Passport
Elegant Terracotta Standing Court Dignitary, Tang Dynasty, EU Passport

Elegant Terracotta Standing Court Dignitary, Tang Dynasty, EU Passport

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

When China was unified again, first briefly under the Sui and then under the long and prosperous Tang, mingqi truly resurged as a part of elaborate tombs. Tang mingqi integrated the ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Very Elegant Tang Dynasty Dignitary in Orange Terracotta, China '618-907 AD'
Very Elegant Tang Dynasty Dignitary in Orange Terracotta, China '618-907 AD'

Very Elegant Tang Dynasty Dignitary in Orange Terracotta, China '618-907 AD'

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

When China was unified again, first briefly under the Sui and then under the long and prosperous Tang, mingqi truly resurged as a part of elaborate tombs. Tang mingqi integrated the ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Chimera (Pixiu) Terracotta Mythological Being - Tang Dynasty, China '618-907 AD'
Chimera (Pixiu) Terracotta Mythological Being - Tang Dynasty, China '618-907 AD'

Chimera (Pixiu) Terracotta Mythological Being - Tang Dynasty, China '618-907 AD'

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

When China was unified again, first briefly under the Sui and then under the long and prosperous Tang, mingqi truly resurged as a part of elaborate tombs. Tang mingqi integrated the ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Tang Dynasty Court Official in Sancai Glazed Robes, China '618-907' - TL Tested
Tang Dynasty Court Official in Sancai Glazed Robes, China '618-907' - TL Tested

Tang Dynasty Court Official in Sancai Glazed Robes, China '618-907' - TL Tested

Located in San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo Leon

When China was unified again, first briefly under the Sui and then under the long and prosperous Tang, mingqi truly resurged as a part of elaborate tombs. Tang mingqi integrated the ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities

Materials

Terracotta

Recent Sales

Ancient Tomb Guardian
Ancient Tomb Guardian

Ancient Tomb Guardian

Unavailable

H 8.5 in

Ancient Tomb Guardian

Located in San Francisco, CA

A Red Pottery Tomb Guardian , Northern Wei Dynasty, 386 - 534.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Sculptures

Large Pair of Chinese Painted Sculptures of  Tomb Guardians
Large Pair of Chinese Painted Sculptures of  Tomb Guardians

Large Pair of Chinese Painted Sculptures of Tomb Guardians

Located in Wilton, CT

Matched Pair of Painted Pottery Sculptural Figures of Tomb Guardians Wearing Helmets and Full Body Armor, and Stading in Defensive Martial Arts Position

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty Lokapala (Guardian Figures)
Pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty Lokapala (Guardian Figures)

Pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty Lokapala (Guardian Figures)

Located in Seattle, WA

It is their goal to protect sanctuaries and sacred images from evil forces and their protective nature lead them to be used as guardians in tombs to protect the owners in their next ...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Figurative Sculptures

Pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty Lokapala (Guardian Figures)
Pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty Lokapala (Guardian Figures)

Pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty Lokapala (Guardian Figures)

Located in Seattle, WA

It is their goal to protect sanctuaries and sacred images from evil forces and their protective nature lead them to be used as guardians in tombs to protect the owners in their next ...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

Tang Tomb Guardian, Certified
Tang Tomb Guardian, Certified

Tang Tomb Guardian, Certified

Sold

H 12.21 in W 14.18 in D 3.94 in

Tang Tomb Guardian, Certified

Located in Sofia, BG

Tang Tomb Guardian always appear in Pairs. They Are animals with humanoid faces.Traces of red pigment remaining.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Antiquities

Song Dynasty, a Pair of Antique Chinese Pottery Tomb Guardian Panels
Song Dynasty, a Pair of Antique Chinese Pottery Tomb Guardian Panels

Song Dynasty, a Pair of Antique Chinese Pottery Tomb Guardian Panels

Located in Sampantawong, TH

A pair of Chinese pottery tomb guardian panels. Age: China, Song Dynasty, 10th - 12th Century Size: Height 15.8 - 16 C.M. / Width 13 C.M.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antiquities

Materials

Pottery

Pair of Tang Dynasty Pottery Tomb Sculptures of Earth Spirits
Pair of Tang Dynasty Pottery Tomb Sculptures of Earth Spirits

Pair of Tang Dynasty Pottery Tomb Sculptures of Earth Spirits

Located in Astoria, NY

This pair of ancient Chinese earth spirits, or zhenmushou (grave-quelling beasts), in unglazed pottery, which date back to the Tang Dynasty, were considered guardians of tombs, their...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Sculptures and Carvings

Materials

Pottery

18th Century Grand Tour Roman Sarcophagus
18th Century Grand Tour Roman Sarcophagus

18th Century Grand Tour Roman Sarcophagus

Sold

H 15.25 in W 14 in D 7.5 in

18th Century Grand Tour Roman Sarcophagus

Located in New Orleans, LA

Sphinxes — Greek mythological creatures combining the head and breasts of a human woman, the body of a lion and the wings of an eagle — were popular grave markers and guardians of th...

Category

Antique 18th Century Italian Classical Roman Vases

Materials

Marble

Tang Dynasty Mingqi Earth Spirit Tomb Guardians TL Tested
Tang Dynasty Mingqi Earth Spirit Tomb Guardians TL Tested

Tang Dynasty Mingqi Earth Spirit Tomb Guardians TL Tested

Located in Dallas, TX

The inclusion of fantastic animal guardians as part of the retinue of tomb figures began in the Northern Wei dynasty (A.D. 386–534) and continued into the Tang dynasty.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Terracotta Mingqi Guardian Spirit Tomb Figure Han Dynasty Attributed
Chinese Terracotta Mingqi Guardian Spirit Tomb Figure Han Dynasty Attributed

Chinese Terracotta Mingqi Guardian Spirit Tomb Figure Han Dynasty Attributed

Located in Dallas, TX

The deceased person's po was said to remain in the realm of the tomb while the hun ascended to heaven. To appease and make worthwhile the deceased's po, mingqi claimed relevant and l...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Han Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Late Ming Terracotta Sancai Green Glazed Foo Dogs
Late Ming Terracotta Sancai Green Glazed Foo Dogs

Late Ming Terracotta Sancai Green Glazed Foo Dogs

Located in Dallas, TX

These might have been made for tomb purposes as Guardian Lions. This pair would look stunning on a shelf as bookends or on your table or desk.

Category

Antique Early 18th Century Chinese Qing Animal Sculptures

Materials

Terracotta

Italian Pair of Marble Lions, after Antonio Canova
Italian Pair of Marble Lions, after Antonio Canova

Italian Pair of Marble Lions, after Antonio Canova

By Antonio Canova

Located in Montreal, QC

The originals, famous guardians of the tomb of Pope Clement XIII, were sculpted by Canova.

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Neoclassical Statues

Materials

Marble

Painted Pottery Tomb Guardian Figures, Pair/ 6th Century/ Northern Qi Dynas
Painted Pottery Tomb Guardian Figures, Pair/ 6th Century/ Northern Qi Dynas

Painted Pottery Tomb Guardian Figures, Pair/ 6th Century/ Northern Qi Dynas

Located in Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

This is a pair of painted pottery tomb guardian figures from the Northern Qi Dynasty in China.

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Antiquities

Materials

Ceramic, Pottery

Earth spirits, tomb guardians
Earth spirits, tomb guardians

Earth spirits, tomb guardians

Located in Winter Park, FL

These magnificent figures were likely pairs at one time, standing near the entrance of a Tang tomb for the protection of a high rank deceased person. The figure on the left still pre...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Antiquities

Materials

Earthenware

8th Century Tang Dynasty Guardian Figure
8th Century Tang Dynasty Guardian Figure

8th Century Tang Dynasty Guardian Figure

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Tang dynasty (618-907 A.D.) guardian figure, also known as a Lokapala. This magnificent Buddhist Lokapala or guardian king originally served as tomb guardian in an aristocratic Ta...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Ceramics

Materials

Pottery

Massive Pair of Chinese Three-Color Glazed Earth Spirits
Massive Pair of Chinese Three-Color Glazed Earth Spirits

Massive Pair of Chinese Three-Color Glazed Earth Spirits

Located in Wilton, CT

Mythical Guardians of the Tomb with a Lion's Body and Deer's Hooves, Flame-like Wings and Unglazed Flame Emanating From the Back of the Head.

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Chinese Tang Dynasty Ceramic Figure of a Lokapala
Chinese Tang Dynasty Ceramic Figure of a Lokapala

Chinese Tang Dynasty Ceramic Figure of a Lokapala

Located in Seattle, WA

When entering China with Buddhism in the 8th century their protective nature was emphasized and they were depicted wearing armor and their protective nature lead them to be used as g...

Category

Antique 18th Century and Earlier Chinese Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Earthenware

People Also Browsed

C19th Portrait Princesse de Joinville of Brazil - Spectacular fit for a palace
C19th Portrait Princesse de Joinville of Brazil - Spectacular fit for a palace

C19th Portrait Princesse de Joinville of Brazil - Spectacular fit for a palace

By Henri d'Ainecy Montpezat

Located in London, GB

Portrait of Princess de Joinville riding a Bay Horse Henri d’Aincy, Le Comte Monpezat (French 1817-1859) Painted circa 1837-9 oil on canvas 113 x 92 inches (including frame) 92 x 70 ...

Category

1830s Old Masters Portrait Paintings

Materials

Oil

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"
Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

Custom Made Modern English Arm Sofa in Performance Linen Velvet - 86"

By Bloom Home Inc

Located in Old Town Orange, CA

This beautiful english arm sofa has a modern twist, with its single bench cushion, and beautiful curved apron sides. It’s upholstered in a Linen Velvet Performance fabric. Shown in...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Sofas

Materials

Linen, Velvet

Tang Dynasty Fat Lady Pottery Figure
Tang Dynasty Fat Lady Pottery Figure

Tang Dynasty Fat Lady Pottery Figure

$4,500

H 11.5 in W 4.5 in D 3.74 in

Tang Dynasty Fat Lady Pottery Figure

Located in Dallas, TX

Tang Dynasty Terracotta sculpture of a fat lady This stunning lady wears her hair in an elaborately styled coiffure. A remarkable amount of the original pigment that once decorated ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Tang Figurative Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

Archaic Chinese Bronze Ritual Vessel, Gui, Early Western Zhou, 11th century BCE
Archaic Chinese Bronze Ritual Vessel, Gui, Early Western Zhou, 11th century BCE

Archaic Chinese Bronze Ritual Vessel, Gui, Early Western Zhou, 11th century BCE

Located in Austin, TX

A stunning and rare Chinese archaic bronze gui, a type of ritual bronze vessel used to hold grain, either for feasting, or for making offerings to the ancestors, late Shang to early ...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Chinese Archaistic Antiquities

Materials

Bronze

Exceptional Mahogany and Ormolu-Mounted Bibliotheque
Exceptional Mahogany and Ormolu-Mounted Bibliotheque

Exceptional Mahogany and Ormolu-Mounted Bibliotheque

$1,215,004

H 118.9 in W 157.49 in D 30.32 in

Exceptional Mahogany and Ormolu-Mounted Bibliotheque

Located in London, GB

The overhanging foliate cornice above a frieze with reliefs of female and male figures surmounted by ribbon ties and flanked by foliage and laurel leaves, above two pairs of glazed d...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Neoclassical Cabinets

Materials

Ormolu

19th Century Carved Wood Panel
19th Century Carved Wood Panel

19th Century Carved Wood Panel

$850

H 8 in W 57 in D 2 in

19th Century Carved Wood Panel

Located in New York, NY

19th Century carved wood panel with lotus bud motive. An Architectural Element from a Buddhist Monastery in Northen Thailand. A Lotus Bud representing perpetuity of life. These carve...

Category

Antique Early 1800s Thai Other Architectural Elements

Materials

Teak

Renaissance Style Oak Tester 4 Poster Bed Armorial Tapestry Bedspread King Size
Renaissance Style Oak Tester 4 Poster Bed Armorial Tapestry Bedspread King Size

Renaissance Style Oak Tester 4 Poster Bed Armorial Tapestry Bedspread King Size

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

A vintage king size oak tester or four poster bed in the Renaissance style. Hand carved with Adam & Eve carvings in the headboard, figurative sculptures in the bedposts, three carve...

Category

Mid-20th Century English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Oak

Monumental Pair of Louis XV Style Ormolu and Crystal Girandoles by Baccarat
Monumental Pair of Louis XV Style Ormolu and Crystal Girandoles by Baccarat

Monumental Pair of Louis XV Style Ormolu and Crystal Girandoles by Baccarat

By Baccarat

Located in London, GB

A magnificent pair of Louis XV style Ormolu and crystal girandoles Probably by Baccarat Constructed from finely cast and chased ormolu, the imposing floor candelabra—almost 2-me...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Louis XV Floor Lamps

Materials

Crystal, Ormolu

Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet
Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet

Early 20th Century Antique Tibetan Hand Painted Tall Credenza Storage Cabinet

Located in Pomona, CA

This Antique Tibetan Painted Cabinet is 100% hand made and hand painted using mineral painting which last the paint a much longer time. You can see some of the finish has already los...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Chinese Export Furniture

Materials

Wood

Magnificent and large ormolu and hardstone Regency period ebonized wooden casket
Magnificent and large ormolu and hardstone Regency period ebonized wooden casket

Magnificent and large ormolu and hardstone Regency period ebonized wooden casket

Located in London, GB

Magnificent and large ormolu and hardstone mounted ebonized wooden casket English, 19th Century Height 41cm, width 72cm, depth 52cm Exceptionally fine and richly adorned, this beau...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Regency Decorative Boxes

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Malachite, Ormolu

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Library Ladders, Napoleon III Style
Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Library Ladders, Napoleon III Style

Pair of 19th Century French Walnut Library Ladders, Napoleon III Style

Located in Queens, NY

Pair of French (19th Century) walnut library ladders with side railings and steps leading to a top platform (on casters) (attributed to Napoleon III's personal library) (Related item...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Stairs

Materials

Walnut

Allegory of Abundance

Allegory of Abundance

Located in New York, NY

Painted in collaboration with Hendrick van Balen (Antwerp, 1575 – 1632). Provenance: Private Collection, Uruguay, since the 1930s. The eldest son of Jan Breughel the Elder, Jan the...

Category

17th Century Old Masters Paintings

Materials

Copper

Bed Tester Spanish Baroque Carved Dark Green & Gilded Leather Superking 6ft180cm
Bed Tester Spanish Baroque Carved Dark Green & Gilded Leather Superking 6ft180cm

Bed Tester Spanish Baroque Carved Dark Green & Gilded Leather Superking 6ft180cm

Located in BUNGAY, SUFFOLK

Rare, Spanish Demi-Tester, Baroque Bed With Carved, Green Painted & Gilded Posts 181cm, 6ft High, Floral Painted Leather Headboard, sold with custom made box spring mattress base, ac...

Category

Antique 1720s Spanish Baroque Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Giltwood, Paint

Pair of Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Mounted Chinese Porcelain Lamps
Pair of Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Mounted Chinese Porcelain Lamps

Pair of Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Mounted Chinese Porcelain Lamps

Located in Long Island City, NY

A Nice Quality Pair of Late 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Mounted Chinese Porcelain Lamps Fine bronze mounts separate the six painted panels decorated with chinoiserie figures in ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Table Lamps

Materials

Bronze, Ormolu

IMPORTANT BISHOP JAMES STANLEY 1508 KING HENRY VII ENGLiSH OAK TUDOR TESTER BED
IMPORTANT BISHOP JAMES STANLEY 1508 KING HENRY VII ENGLiSH OAK TUDOR TESTER BED

IMPORTANT BISHOP JAMES STANLEY 1508 KING HENRY VII ENGLiSH OAK TUDOR TESTER BED

Located in West Sussex, Pulborough

Royal House Antiques Royal House Antiques is delighted to offer for sale this very rare and highly important, Museum quality, English Tudor King Henry VII Oak tester bed made for an...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames

Materials

Oak

Large Chinese Tang Dynasty Style Sancai Glazed Pottery Horse, circa 1930
Large Chinese Tang Dynasty Style Sancai Glazed Pottery Horse, circa 1930

Large Chinese Tang Dynasty Style Sancai Glazed Pottery Horse, circa 1930

Located in Central England, GB

True in all its elements to the original examples which date from the early Chinese Tang period. The black glazed horse is naturalistically modelled. It stands on a rectangular base ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Chinese Tang Animal Sculptures

Materials

Pottery

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Tomb Guardians For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are several options of tomb guardians available for sale. Frequently made of ceramic, pottery and earthenware, all tomb guardians available were constructed with great care. Tomb guardians have been produced for many years, with earlier versions available from the 18th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century.

How Much are Tomb Guardians?

Tomb guardians can differ in price owing to various characteristics — the average selling price at 1stDibs is $4,800, while the lowest priced sells for $1,850 and the highest can go for as much as $55,000.