Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Zoomorphic funerary guardian zhenmushou - 23 cm
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,000 - € 1,300
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Terracotta funerary guardian figure of a zhenmushou from the Tang dynasty, circa 680–750 d.C., hollow, with remnants of red and orange paint, measuring 23 × 10 × 8 cm and in good condition.
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Description from the seller
China – Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), probably late 7th century to first half of the 8th century. Terracotta guardian funerary zoomorphic zhenmushou with remnants of polychromy.
Interesting Chinese funerary figure modeled in terracotta, representing a tomb protective spirit or zhenmushou, one of the supernatural creatures used during the Tang dynasty to protect the deceased and the funerary space from malign forces.
The figure presents a powerful frontal configuration, with a compact and voluminous body, folded extremities and an expressive head of fantastical character, combining animal and supernatural features. Notable are the large lateral protrusions framing the head and the pronounced shaping of the snout and face, deliberately conceived with an intimidating appearance.
It preserves significant traces of reddish and orange pigment, particularly visible on the head, snout and different areas of the body, along with clearer traces of surface preparation and decoration. The surface shows the erosion and deposits typical of an archaeological terracotta piece.
The piece is hollow and made by molding, a technique characteristic of numerous Tang funerary sculptures. The reverse, relatively flat and less worked, and the cavity visible from the base likewise correspond to the usual manufacturing method of this type of mingqi, objects created specifically to accompany the deceased in the tomb.
Zhenmushou were usually placed inside burials as apotropaic guardians, often forming pairs. Their iconography reaches special development during the 7th and 8th centuries, a time of great artistic prosperity under the Tang. Comparable examples are preserved in important international collections, including the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Material: molded terracotta with pigment remnants.
Measurements: 23 × 10 × 8 cm.
Proposed era: Tang dynasty, ca. 680–750 AD.
Condition: generalized wear and pigment loss compatible with age; surface deposits; losses and fractures visible especially in the upper head crest area. See photographs.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
China – Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), probably late 7th century to first half of the 8th century. Terracotta guardian funerary zoomorphic zhenmushou with remnants of polychromy.
Interesting Chinese funerary figure modeled in terracotta, representing a tomb protective spirit or zhenmushou, one of the supernatural creatures used during the Tang dynasty to protect the deceased and the funerary space from malign forces.
The figure presents a powerful frontal configuration, with a compact and voluminous body, folded extremities and an expressive head of fantastical character, combining animal and supernatural features. Notable are the large lateral protrusions framing the head and the pronounced shaping of the snout and face, deliberately conceived with an intimidating appearance.
It preserves significant traces of reddish and orange pigment, particularly visible on the head, snout and different areas of the body, along with clearer traces of surface preparation and decoration. The surface shows the erosion and deposits typical of an archaeological terracotta piece.
The piece is hollow and made by molding, a technique characteristic of numerous Tang funerary sculptures. The reverse, relatively flat and less worked, and the cavity visible from the base likewise correspond to the usual manufacturing method of this type of mingqi, objects created specifically to accompany the deceased in the tomb.
Zhenmushou were usually placed inside burials as apotropaic guardians, often forming pairs. Their iconography reaches special development during the 7th and 8th centuries, a time of great artistic prosperity under the Tang. Comparable examples are preserved in important international collections, including the British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Material: molded terracotta with pigment remnants.
Measurements: 23 × 10 × 8 cm.
Proposed era: Tang dynasty, ca. 680–750 AD.
Condition: generalized wear and pigment loss compatible with age; surface deposits; losses and fractures visible especially in the upper head crest area. See photographs.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as a TL test, C14 test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
SVI
Name of object
Zoomorphic funerary guardian zhenmushou
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2008
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Hong Kong
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
23 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1950
Width
10 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
Depth
8 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
