Tomb guardian figure (qitou or T'u kuai), from grave of high-ranking official

This partly glazed ceramic figure of a mythical creature (qitou, earth spirit) once stood as one of an identical pair, at the entrance to a high status tomb in China. These guardians were to ensure that the deceased's soul would not escape from the tomb.

The partly glazed ceramic figure shows a sitting beast with a human-like face, elephant ears, lion-like body and bird's wings, with a plume down its back.

Various tomb guardians were used in ancient China to ensure that the dead were protected from the living and from evil spirits, and vice versa. These, and other ceramic tomb figures, were particularly popular from the Tang period.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.