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Relief with Mythical Animals

Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Not on view

The decoration on this stone carving represents a land of wonders where immortals and auspicious animals reside. The most salient being is a nine-headed beast with the scaled body of a dragon, visible at the top left. There are various interpretations of this mythical creature. One, based on historical texts, suggests that it is Renhuang (“Human Sovereign”), who according to legend was the third ruler of China.

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China — This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, Stone, China

Relief with Mythical Animals, 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.

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.

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.

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

东汉神人异兽纹画像石

Title: Relief with Mythical Animals

Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Culture: China

Medium: Stone

Dimensions: H. 22 13/16 in. (58 cm): W. 56 11/16 in. (144 cm): D. 9 in. (22.9 cm); Wt. 935 lbs (424 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Shandong Provincial Museum

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Asian Art at The Met

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world.