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Column with Dragons and Inscriptions

2nd century

Not on view

This unusual stone column, although missing its top and base, exemplifies the monuments that lined the aboveground “spirit ways” leading to Eastern Han tombs. An inscription indicates that the column marked the tomb of a local official. Fluted columns were rare in Han-dynasty China and may have been inspired by the columns associated with King Ashoka (ca. 269–232 B.C.) of Mauryan India, a result of contact between the two countries.

Column with Dragons and Inscriptions, Stone, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Column with Dragons and Inscriptions, Stone, China

Column with Dragons and Inscriptions, Stone, China

Column with Dragons and Inscriptions, Stone, China

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

东汉 “邪相刘”铭石柱

Title: Column with Dragons and Inscriptions

Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Date: 2nd century

Culture: China

Medium: Stone

Dimensions: H. 85 1/16 in. (216 cm); Diam. of rim 13 3/4 in. (35 cm); Diam. of base 13 in. (33 cm); Wt. 1455 lbs (660 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Shandong Provincial Museum

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Asian Art at The Met

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