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THBChinese Tang Polychrome Earth Guardian Spirit
Lot 103
About Seller
Artemis Gallery
686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States
Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more
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Live Auction in Progress ... Currently on Lot Estimate:
$3,000 - $4,500
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| $300 | $50 |
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| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
About Auction
Live
By Artemis Gallery
Nov 16, 2023
Set Reminder
2023-11-16 10:00:00
2023-11-16 10:00:00
America/New_York
Bidsquare
Bidsquare : Exceptional Antiquities, Ethnographic, Fine Art
https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/exceptional-antiquities-ethnographic-fine-art-14161
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Nautical, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
Museum-worthy examples of classical antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Viking, Far East / Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal, Oceanic, Native American, Spanish Colonial, Nautical, Fossils, Ancient Jewelry, Fine / Visual Arts, so much more! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com
View Full Catalog (267)
- Lot Description
Far East, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A magnificent guardian figure called a zhenmushou (grave-quelling beast) or earth spirit presenting a characteristic fantastical hybrid, creature-like form comprised of both animal and human elements and retaining rich orange, white, and black pigments. Surmounted by a pair of petaloid ears and a towering, twisted horn, the beast faces forward, seated on its hind haunches with a ferocious appearance comprised of its bulging eyes, furrowed brow, and snarling grimace. Six undulating, flame-like extensions rise from the sloped shoulders, each which terminate in a hoof. Earth spirits like this example were traditionally placed in tombs to ward off evil beings or spirits that threatened to intrude. Size: 4" L x 10.3" W x 14" H (10.2 cm x 26.2 cm x 35.6 cm)
Figures like this example capture the ancient Chinese interest in the spirit world in which such fantastical creatures were believed to reside. Such mythological beings were thought to be at once protective and somewhat auspicious. As objects they were perceived as guardian figures; hence, it is possible that the piece was once placed in a garden or entrance to a domicile and later placed in the grave of an elite individual with significant objects to accompany the deceased in the afterlife. It is also possible that it was created strictly for burial with the deceased.
The Tang Dynasty was a thrilling time in Chinese history, when trade flourished along the Silk Routes and unified China was the richest country on earth. Chang'an (now Xi'an) was the Tang capital, and it was one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth, filled with foreigners who had travelled to China to trade; the influence of foreigners and talented native Chinese, combined with the economic prosperity brought on by trade and the new religion from India, Buddhism, created a powerful cultural milieu where poetry and other forms of art flourished.
Provenance: private Owen collection, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-H. Gene Blocker collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
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#181503Professional repaired and restoration to a few flame-like projections with areas of repainting over break lines; all very well done and difficult to notice. Slight wobble to base, but mostly stable. Minor chipping to tip of horn and peripheries of ears, as well as expected nicks and abrasions as shown. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining pigments and earthen deposits to surface.Condition
- Shipping Info
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