Daoist priest with zodiac animal, snake
A dramatic change took place in the representation of zodiac animals during the Song dynasty, when they were no longer made as half-human and half-animal figures and their sizes were significantly reduced. The animals, now in the form of small human sculptures generally made of glazed stoneware and decorated with modest colors, were visualized as either civil officials or Daoist practitioners. Their identifying animal was depicted on their hat brim or held in their hands.
Artwork Details
- 宋 褐彩瓷生肖蛇俑
- Title: Daoist priest with zodiac animal, snake
- Period: Song dynasty (960–1279)
- Culture: China
- Medium: Stoneware with brown glaze
- Dimensions: H. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm); W. 2 3/8 in. (6 cm)
- Classification: Tomb Pottery
- Credit Line: Charlotte C. and John C. Weber Collection, Gift of Charlotte C. and John C. Weber, 1994
- Object Number: 1994.605.59
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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