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Bulging eyes, a gaping mouth with fangs, a protruding tongue, oversized paws, and a spiked back define this fantastic creature, which was once one of a pair placed facing outward at the entrance to the coffin chamber.
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北魏/北齊 彩繪陶鎮墓獸
Title: Tomb Guardian (Zhenmushou)
Period: Northern Wei (386–534)–Northern Qi (550–577) dynasty
Date: mid-to-late 6th century
Culture: China
Medium: Earthenware with pigment
Dimensions: H. 12 in. (30.5 cm); W. 6 1/8 in. (15.6 cm); D. 12 1/2 in. (31.8 cm)
Classification: Tomb Pottery
Credit Line: Purchase, Ann Eden Woodward Foundation Gift, 1979
Accession Number: 1979.438
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