Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Zoomorphic funerary guardian zhenmushou - 23 cm

China – Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), probably late 7th century–early 8th century. Zhenmushou terracotta funerary guardian in terracotta with remnants of polychromy.

Interesting Chinese funerary figure modeled in terracotta, representing a tomb guardian spirit or zhenmushou, one of the supernatural creatures used during the Tang dynasty to protect the deceased and the funerary space from malignant forces.

The figure presents a powerful frontal configuration, with a compact and voluminous body, folded limbs and an expressive head of fantastical character, combining animal and supernatural features. Notable are the large lateral protrusions framing the head and the marked 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 various parts of the body, along with lighter traces of preparation and superficial decoration. The surface shows the erosion and the concretions typical of an archaeological terracotta piece.

The piece is hollow and made by molding, a technique characteristic of numerous Tang funerary sculptures. The reverse, comparatively flat and less worked, and the cavity visible from the base, likewise correspond to the usual manufacturing procedure of this type of mingqi, objects created specifically to accompany the deceased in the tomb.

Zhenmushou were typically placed inside tombs as apotropaic guardians, often as pairs. Their iconography reaches particular development during the 7th and 8th centuries, a period of great artistic prosperity under the Tang. Comparable pieces 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 CE.
Condition: generalized wear and pigment loss compatible with age; surface concretion; losses and fractures visible especially in the upper head crest area. Examine 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.