Chinese zodiac figure of a 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: Chinese zodiac figure of a snake
- Period: Song dynasty (960–1279)
- Date: 11th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Porcelain with brown iron splash (Jingdezhen qingbai ware)
- 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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11th century
mid-14th century
12th–13th century
late 11th–12th century
dated 1282
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