During the Tang Dynasty, sculptural effigies of domesticated animals were often interred in the tombs of nobility and elite members of the social hierarchy. Created in all  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, sculptural effigies of domesticated animals were often interred in the tombs of nobility and elite members of the social hierarchy. Created in all media, these sculptures accompanied the spirit of the deceased into the afterlife. While similar examples exist, most were found harnessed to wagons and carts and were meant to function as beasts of burden. However, this sculpture was discovered buried as part of a herd, contained inside a sculpted miniature pen with other domesticated animals, suggesting that this ox served as nourishment. Aside from function, this sculpture is also remarkable for its exquisite state of preservation. During the Tang Dynasty, the Chinese believed that the afterlife was a continuation of our earthly existence. Thus, logically, as we require food to nourish our bodies on earth, so too will we require food to nourish our souls in the afterlife. Created to serve as food for the afterlife, this work is more than a mere sculpture; it is a gorgeous memorial to the religious and philosophical beliefs of the Tang Dynasty. This cow effigy has served its eternal purpose well. - (H.911)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, sculptural effigies of domesticated animals were often interred in the tombs of nobility and elite members of the social hierarchy. Created in all  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, sculptural effigies of domesticated animals were often interred in the tombs of nobility and elite members of the social hierarchy. Created in all media, these sculptures accompanied the spirit of the deceased into the afterlife. While similar examples exist, most were found harnessed to wagons and carts and were meant to function as beasts of burden. However, this sculpture was discovered buried as part of a herd, contained inside a sculpted miniature pen with other domesticated animals, suggesting that this ram served as nourishment. In China, the ram is one of the Twelve Terrestrial Branches of the Chinese calendar and is the emblem of retired life. A recumbent ram or sheep symbolizes the Confucian virtue of filial piety. During the Tang Dynasty, the Chinese believed that the afterlife was a continuation of our earthly existence. Thus, logically, as we require food to nourish our bodies on earth, so too will we require food to nourish our souls in the afterlife. It is possible this sculpture was created to serve as food for the afterlife. However, much more than a mere sculpture; this ram is a gorgeous memorial to the religious and philosophical beliefs of the Tang Dynasty. - (H.912)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandise into China. However, the arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh desert of Central Asia could only be traversed by the two-humped Bactrian camel. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and to maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artist began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of art specifically created in an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this polychrome sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works even though they were never meant to be seen by the living. A remarkable amount of the original pigment that once covered this work remains intact. Vibrant yellow, orange, and burgundy hues decorate the camel and its accoutrements. Bulging with merchandise, a large pack shaped like a growling tiger, or perhaps a dragon, rests atop the camel’s back. This majestic sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (H.986)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandize into China. However, the arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh desert of Central Asia could only be traversed by the two-humped Bactrian camel. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and to maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artist began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of art specifically created in an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this polychrome sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works even though they were never meant to be seen by the living. A remarkable amount of the original pigment that once covered this work remains intact. Vibrant yellow, orange, and burgundy hues decorate the camel and its accoutrements. Bulging with merchandise, a large pack shaped like a growling tiger rests atop the camel’s back. This majestic sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (H.987)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandize into China. However, the arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh desert of Central Asia could only be traversed by the two-humped Bactrian camel. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and to maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artist began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of art specifically created in an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this polychrome sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works even though they were never meant to be seen by the living. Much of the original pigment that once covered this work remains intact. Burgundy brushstrokes highlight the camel’s neck and mane, the tips of the humps, as well as the hooves and legs. In addition, black paint remains along the saddle. This majestic sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (H.978)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, restrictions were placed on the number of objects that could be included in tombs, an amount determined by an individual's social rank. In spite of  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, restrictions were placed on the number of objects that could be included in tombs, an amount determined by an individual's social rank. In spite of the limitations, a striking variety of tomb furnishings have been excavated. Entire retinues of ceramic figures--animals, entertainers, musicians, guardians--were buried with the dead. This dynamic warrior bares a striking resemblance to the Buddhist warrior deities known as Lokapalas that have their origins as protectors of Buddhist temples but assumed a mortuary role in China. However, this warrior does not stand in the traditional stance of the Lokapala, subduing a demon or triumphing over a recumbent beast. Although this figure is slightly different, we can assume his role in the afterlife would have been the same. This warrior is poised for battle. He rests his left arm on his waist and holds his other arm in the air. Originally, he would have likely brandished a weapon of sort, perhaps a sword, which was made of a material such as wood that deteriorated over the centuries. A small amount of the original polychrome is still visible, specifically on his red lips and pink face and hand. According to one Chinese tradition explaining their origin, Emperor Taizong when ill was threatened by ghosts outside of his room screeching and throwing bricks and tiles. When his general Jin Shubao (Chin Shu-pao) and a fellow officer came to stand guard the activity of the ghosts ceased. The grateful emperor had portraits of the two men hung on either side of his palace gates, and thereafter their images became widespread as door-gods. Although he was intended to protect the tomb and ward off any infiltrators, be they tomb robbers or malevolent spirits, this warrior does not repel us; instead, his compelling history and stunning aesthetic beauty attracts us to him. - (H.1009)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandise into China. However, the arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh desert of Central Asia could only be traversed by the two-humped Bactrian camel. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and to maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artist began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of art specifically created in an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this polychrome sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works even though they were never meant to be seen by the living. A remarkable amount of the original pigment that once covered this work remains intact. Vibrant yellow, red, and burgundy hues decorate the camel’s saddle in a charming motif of flowers and spiraling leaves. The camel itself is also covered in a lovely ochre color, while its eyes are highlighted in red and black with each lash applied individually. This majestic sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (H.1056)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandise into China. However, the arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh desert of Central Asia could only be traversed by the two-humped Bactrian camel. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and to maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artist began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of art specifically created in an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this polychrome sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works even though they were never meant to be seen by the living. Much of the original pigment that once covered this work remains intact. Burgundy brushstrokes highlight the tufts of hair along the camel’s neck and mane, the tips of the humps, as well as the hooves and legs. In addition, black and white painted highlights still decorate the saddle blanket. This majestic sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (H.1059)   « Less

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated  More »

During the Tang Dynasty, the beloved status of the camel ranked second only to the revered horse. Camels symbolized commerce and its associated wealth, largely concentrated on profits though trading on the Silk Road. Trade across this extensive network of paths and trails brought prosperity, foreign merchants, and exotic merchandise into China. However, the arduous journey through the rugged mountains and harsh desert of Central Asia could only be traversed by the two-humped Bactrian camel. This remarkable beast was able to withstand the scorching heat of the desert and to maintain its own nutrients, surviving for months without fresh supplies of water. The government kept vast herds of these invaluable creatures, presided over by civil officials, for hauling their precious commodities across the Silk Road. These exotic creatures were a common sight in the cosmopolitan cities of Tang China, carrying both traders and their goods directly into the markets. Likewise, Tang artist began to create charming representations of these prized creatures as mingqi in order to symbolize wealth and prosperity in the afterlife. Mingqi were works of art specifically created in an ancient Chinese custom for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for their afterlife. Some of the most beautiful works of Chinese art were excavated from such tombs, and this polychrome sculpture of a camel is a perfect example of the refined artistry dedicated to such works even though they were never meant to be seen by the living. A remarkable amount of the original pigment that once covered this work remains intact. Vibrant yellow, red, and burgundy hues decorate the camel and its accoutrements. Bulging with merchandise, a large pack shaped like a growling tiger rests atop the camel’s humps. This majestic sculpture reveals the Tang Dynasty’s respect and admiration for this beast of burden, so essential to the prosperity of ancient China. - (H.1060)   « Less

Originating during the Six Dynasties period (222-589 A.D.), this type of figure is known as a tomb guardian, for originally, a pair of such figures always stood guard at the  More »

Originating during the Six Dynasties period (222-589 A.D.), this type of figure is known as a tomb guardian, for originally, a pair of such figures always stood guard at the tombs of Chinese rulers. Traditionally, both figures in the pair are mythological composite creatures, one always an amalgamation various animals while the other combined of human and animal traits. These guardians are a general type of Chinese art known as mingqi. Mingqi were any of a variety of objects specifically created for interment in the tombs of elite individuals in order to provide for the afterlife. These guardians were interred in order to ward off potential tomb robbers or evil spirits that might try to infiltrate the tomb. While just half of a pair, this guardian stands alone, revealing the exotic beauty of these fantastical creatures.This mythological beast combines the body and face of a feline with the legs and hooves of a horse. Undulating fiery waves rise from his arms, alternately painted green with a black stripe or left unadorned, culminating in a large orange peak that rises from his head. From in between his ears that appear almost like fish fins, rises an undulating antler and a segmented black horn, both framed by the orange flame behind. The bright polychrome that covers this sculpture is remarkably intact. His shoulders are painted orange and his legs and face are adorned with the black stripes of a tiger. A gorgeous floral pattern rendered in orange, green, and black decorates his chest. His snarling face, complete with tiny fangs, has been expertly rendered, conveying a determined expression that is fierce and intimidating. Although this work was supposed to frighten away intruders, the masterfully delicate sculpting and gorgeous colors prove far more attractive than repelling. - (H.1063)   « Less