Large Tang Dynasty Pottery Tomb Guardian Earth Spirit. Modeled half-seated on a tall shaped plinth, the human head with a bulbous nose and bulging eyes below three conical flanges and tall spiraling horn, all flanked by elephant-like ears, the leonine body bearing blade-shaped projections on the shoulders and upright flat wings at the top of each front leg, the rear legs folded and terminating in horse-like hoofs, the surfaces exhibiting traces of black, red, and white pigments. Tang dynasty (618-907). {Height: 35 1/4 inches (89.5 cm)}. Provenance: Property from the Richard I. Stone Estate Condition: Extensive wear and associated pigment losses, chips, cracks.