Cleveland Museum of Art

Tomb Guardians

Date

early 700s

Medium

glazed earthenware, sancai (three-color) ware

Culture

China, probably Shaanxi province, Xi'an, Tang dynasty (618-907)

Department

Chinese Art

Institution

Cleveland Museum of Art

With fierce expressions, elongated spikes, and exaggerated physical features, these two fantastic creatures were intended to guard the entrance to a tomb, warding off evil as well as keeping the soul of the deceased from wandering. Known as qitou , or earth spirits, both sculptures differ in appearance: one has an animal face, claws, and a pair of antlers; the other sports a human face with huge ears, hooves, and a short horn. Sancai (three-color) glazes in green, amber, and transparent white, plus expensive cobalt blue glaze, show the high social status of the tomb’s occupant.

The authoritative record is held by Cleveland Museum of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.