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Tang Dynasty Mingqi Earth Spirit Tomb Guardians

Offered by: Avantiques

Description
Chinese, Tang Dynasty (618 AD to 906 AD)
A pair of semi-human earth spirit figures seated on their haunches with cloven hooves planted firmly on the base. Both wearing conical mandarin style hats, their bearded face peering upward with a placid facial expression.Some traces of pigment to the bodies.

The earth spirits have been believed to protect the living by keeping the spirits of the dead from inappropriately roaming the world outside the tomb.

Measure: Height 13.5 inches x width: 6.5 inches x depth 6.5 inches.

Condition: Excellent. They appear to be no repairs or damage to these figures. Small encrusted flake missing on beard of one figure.

Provenance: From the Private Collection of Morton & Kathleen Sachs of Louisville, Kentucky, purchased from TK Asian Antiquities (Williamsburg, VA) in 2000.

AVANTIQUES is dedicated to providing an exclusive curated collection of Fine Arts, Paintings, Bronzes, Asian treasures, Art Glass and Antiques. Our inventory represents time-tested investment quality items with everlasting decorative beauty. We look forward to your business and appreciate any reasonable offers. All of our curated items are vetted and guaranteed authentic and as described. Avantiques only deals in original antiques and never reproductions. We stand behind our treasures with a full money back return if the items are not as described.

The inclusion of fantastic animal guardians as part of the retinue of tomb figures began in the Northern Wei dynasty (A.D. 386–534) and continued into the Tang dynasty. Also called earth spirits, or zhenmushou (grave-quelling beasts), these guardians took the form of fantastic hybrid creatures composed of various animal and sometimes human elements and were placed in the tomb in pairs to ward off any malevolent beings who threatened to intrude.

Please also consider Avantique’s antique and ancient Asian Art Collection of Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Ming Dynasty, Qing, and Republic period items to complete your home and office decorations with class. Avantiques has Asian pottery, terra cotta, bronze, and paintings to complement your collection. We strive to collect the highest quality Asian antiquities in exceptional condition.

More Information

Origin:	China
Period:	Pre 18th Century
Materials:	Pottery,Hand-Crafted
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Styles / Movements:	Asian, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	675644