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

$55,000per set
£41,888.47per set
€48,282.58per set
CA$76,944.63per set
A$86,480.67per set
CHF 45,036.86per set
MX$1,051,818.90per set
NOK 576,301.72per set
SEK 546,503.87per set
DKK 360,349.37per set
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About the Item

A fantastic and powerful pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty three-color (sancai) glazed zhenmushou, tomb guardian figures, late 7th or early 8th century. TL tested by Oxford Authentication, 1998.  The fierce, mythical creatures are masterfully composed. They are portrayed perched upon hollow rock-work bases, seated firmly on their haunches, a pair of leaf shaped "wings" rising from their muscular shoulders. One has a human-like face, mouth closed, with large elephantine ears, a large single horn rising from his head. The other figure has a leonine face, surrounded by a mane. Its mouth open with sharp teeth bared and topped by a pair of tall antlers. Both with large mohawk like crests or cockscombs rising from the center of their heads. One shaped like the blade of a halberd, the other shaped like flames.  The figures covered in a stunning sancai (three color) glaze, with cream, amber and green. The glaze with wonderful spots and runs, covering almost the entirety of the figures, save the lower part of the bases, the human-like face, and the large rising crests. Zhenmushou are chimeric beings that were thought to ward off evil, protecting the occupant and contents of a tomb from physical and spiritual incursions. For a comparable example of the guardian with the human face, see the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 11.83.4
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 29 in (73.66 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 7 in (17.78 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Tang (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    Late 7th to Early 8th Century
  • Condition:
    Repaired: Repairs and restorations as expected. Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Excellent condition for age. With repairs and restorations as expected. The top of the flange on the leonine figure with small losses.
  • Seller Location:
    Austin, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU894712492912

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