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Tomb Demon Warring States period to Western Han dynasty (475 BCE - 9 CE) Wood, antler, lacque…
Tomb Guardian (Zhenmushou)
Tomb Demon Warring States period to Western Han dynasty (475 BCE - 9 CE) Wood, antler, lacque…
Tomb Demon Warring States period to Western Han dynasty (475 BCE - 9 CE) Wood, antler, lacquer and paint Gift of Dr. Ellyn Shander, MD 97.122.1a,b

Tomb Guardian (Zhenmushou)

ClassificationsSculpture
Date475 BCE - 9 CE
Made AtChina, Asia
MediumWood, antler, lacquer and paint
Dimensionsa: 28 × 25 1/2 in. (71.1 × 64.8 cm)
b: 4 1/4 × 9 × 9 1/2 in. (10.8 × 22.9 × 24.1 cm)
Credit LineGift of Dr. Ellyn Shander, M.D.
Object number97.122.1a,b
DescriptionHorned wooden figures with large eyes and protruding tongues served as tomb guardians for the Chu culture living in the central Yangzi River basin. These creatures represented the spirit of the earth or the god of soil. They defended the deceased against evil underground demons. This exceptionally preserved tomb guardian is made of carved wood and antlers covered in black and red lacquer.
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