Chinese
Earth Spirit Figure, 618–907, Tang Dynasty
On view
Ceramic
Dimensions23 1/2 × 10 × 14 in. (59.7 × 25.4 × 35.6 cm)
Gift of Barry Fitzmorris, 2011.254
These two sculptures are known as zhenmoushou, or tomb guardians. Their bodies are often shaped like animals and they crouch over small pedestals surveying everything around them. Typically made in pairs, they are both ferocious looking mythological creatures. The body of each is very similar with limbs that end with sharp talons and dorsal fins on their backs. These types of figures were frequently buried in tombs, where they protected the deceased from evil spirits.
