Terracotta with original paint coating. China, Tang-Dynasty, approx. 8th cent.
Two very expressively modelled “tomb guardians†in good museum-quality, as they are rarely found on the market today. Particularly remarkable here is the original paint coating in uncommonly good condition. The Zhenmushen are both standing in defensive pose, on recumbent stags. Both clench their fists, wear armour and have a large long-tailed bird sitting on their helmets. In front of each of these, a ruyi-symbol and on the shoulders in place of the epaulettes, upwardly standing peaches, all of which suggest “long lifeâ€. Both faces are full and grimaced. The original cold-painted coating in numerous colour tones (black, red, green) offers a decorative painting on the clothing and armour. Rare original condition, restoration exposed areas (antlers, bird, etc…) cannot be ruled out. Some weathering and earth-encrustations.
HEIGHT 55,3 CM AND 59,4 CM
From an Austrian private collection