Guardian Figure of a Civil Official

Place of OriginChina

DateTang Dynasty (618-907), Late 7th century

DimensionsH: 42 3/4 in. (118.6 cm)

MediumEarthenware with polychrome decoration

ClassificationSculpture

Credit LineGiven in memory of Charles and Anna Berdan Gardner by Darwin E. Gardner, Edith G. Carter, and Charles S. Gardner

Object number

1953.70

Not on View

DescriptionThis is a large, standing male figure made of earthenware (terracotta). The figure was constructed to be hollow and was originally covered in a thin white ground layer, which served as a base for extensive painted decoration, or polychromy. Although much of the pigment is now lost, the surface retains traces of light green, purple-lilac, orange-crimson, and black pigments. Traces of gold leaf are also visible on the robe decoration.

Label TextThese menacing figures were often placed at each corner of a Tang Dynasty tomb chamber to ward off evil coming from any of the four directions. The Tang Dynasty was considered a golden age in China, during which ceramics reached an artistic and technical highpoint, culminating in figures made to furnish tombs—not only supernatural guardians, but also animals, dancers, musicians, and soldiers.