Minneapolis Institute of Art
Mythological beast
China
- Date
- 5th century BCE
- Medium
- Bronze and turquoise
- Department
- Asian Art
- Institution
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
This fantastic creature combines features from various animals, including a tiger-like head and a water buffalo’s hooves. The sculpture catches the moment before the creature is about to leap. The power of the shoulders is emphasized with a spiral pattern and a raised ring with turquoise inlay. While a number of contemporary bronze animals of similar scale and configuration have square sockets on their backs and probably supported poles, this charming creature may have been cast as a stand-alone sculpture. China, Asia
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