+China 618-907 AD Tang Dynasty Pair Of Polychromate Earth Spirits Zhenmushou In Earthenware Pottery
Pair of Earths Spirits "Zhenmushou" from the China Tang Dynasty 618-907 AD.
A beautiful and rare pair of "Earths Spirits guardians" from the Yunnan province region in the ancient China. This was created in clay earthenware pottery during the Tang Dynasty period between 618 and 907 AD. Featuring the molded figures of two seated guardians with decorations with polychrome pigmentations. The figures are seated on their haunches with cloven hooves planted firmly on the base looking forward with their front legs in a straight position. Both with face and body alert expressions on a rectangular base.
Earth spirits usually appear in pairs, one with a human head and the other with a lion head. Their supernatural powers, indicated by antlers, spiky flanges and flames, enable them to confront evil spirits and protect any precincts within their gaze. Have been believed to protect the living by keeping the spirits of the dead from inappropriately roaming the world outside the tomb.
Zhenmushou or guardian deities, developed from a line of protective spirits found normally in pairs at the front of Tang dynasty tombs. They served both to protect the figure from untoward spirits, and the outside world from the roving spirit of the dead. Combining features from a number of animals to form the perfect mythic beast, these mythical creatures were perceived to be the ideal guardians of the dead
The semi human faced figure has a measures of 11.25 by 4.5 by 5.75 inches (28.57 x 11.43 x 14.60 Cm).
The mythological lion animal figure has a measures of 10 by 5 by 5.8 inches (24.5 x 12.7 x 14.73 Cm).
Tang dynasty or Tang Empire, was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. It was preceded by the Sui dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Tend Kingdoms period. Historians generally regard the Tang as a high point in Chinese civilization, and a the golden age of cosmopolitan culture. Tang territory, acquired through the military campaigns of its early rulers, rivaled that of the Han dynasty.
The Li family founded the dynasty, seizing power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire and inaugurating a period of progress and stability in the first half of the dynasty's rule. The dynasty was formally interrupted during 690–705 when Empress Wu Zetian seized the throne, proclaiming the Wu Zhou dynasty and becoming the only legitimate Chinese empress regnant. The devastating An-Lushan rebellion (755–763) shook the nation and led to the decline of central authority in the dynasty's latter half. Like the previous Sui dynasty, the Tang maintained a civil-service system by recruiting scholar-officials through standardized-examination and recommendations to office. The rise of regional military governors known as Jiedushi during the 9th century undermined this civil order. The dynasty and central government went into decline by the latter half of the 9th century; agrarian rebellions resulted in mass population loss and displacement, widespread poverty, and further government dysfunction that ultimately ended the dynasty in 907.
Chinese pottery, saw many significant developments, including the first Chinese porcelain meeting both Western and Chinese definitions of porcelain, in Ding ware and related types. The earthenware Tang dynasty tomb figures are better known in the West today, but were only made to be placed in elite tombs close to the capital in the north, between about 680 and 760. They were perhaps the last significant fine earthenware’s to be produced in China. Many are lead-glazed Sancai (three-colour) wares; others are unpainted or were painted over a slip; the paint has now often fallen off.
Note: These types of jars were originally excavated from Buddhist sites in the region of Yunnan, China. Used to hold sutras, dedications, or offerings, they were usually buried at the bases of temples, pagodas, or other holy sites.
Collateral: An actual letter, dated October 1, 2021 from TK Asian Antiquities Gallery, signed by Michael Teller, accompanied this piece as a certificate of authenticity. Copy will be included.
Provenance: T.K. Asian Antiquities Gallery, Williamsburg Virginia; A private collection in Palm Beach FL; then purchased by James & Nancy Markell, Virginia 1976; then by descent to Lauren Markland, Fort Lauderdale, FL.; Acquired in Palm Beach, FL. in march 7, 2021.
Literature: Celestial Guardians of Ancient China, Michael C, Teller IV. T.K. Asian Antiquities Gallery, New York 2005. For similar examples.
It is in nice ancient condition, with very minor firing imperfections as usual and remains of the original polychrome pigmentations of white, red and black colors.
INVENTORY REF: D0000ASNN/.1111
