TWO TERRACOTTA MODELS OF CAPARISONED CAMELS AND A TERRACOTTA EARTH SPIRIT Probably Tang Dynasty Comprising: a model of a Bactrian camel, standing four-square, the head tilted back with braying wide open mouth, supporting beast mask saddle bags over a saddle cloth; a further Bactrian camel, standing four square with the head upright and mouth open, laden with large saddle bags also decorated in relief with beast masks, red and white pigments remaining; and a model of a seated earth spirit, seated on its haunches, with upright wings at the top of each foreleg, the face with ferocious expression, surmounted by two large horns, the wide open mouth revealing sharp fangs, areas of red pigment remaining. The camels 40cm (15 3/4in) and 43cm (17.2in) high; the earth spirit 38cm (15in) high. (3). Footnotes: Please note this Lot is to be sold at No Reserve. 本拍品不設底價 或唐 陶加彩駱駝俑兩件及陶鎮墓獸一件 Provenance: All acquired in 1995 (collector's notes). Published and Illustrated: M. White, Beasts at the Whites' House: A Selection of Ceramics from the Whites' House Collection, vol.1, n.p., 2020, p.13 (the braying camel). The inclusion of fantastic animal guardians as part of the retinue of tomb figures began in the Northern Wei dynasty (A.D. 386-534) and continued into the Tang Dynasty. Also called earth spirits, or zhenmushou, these figures took the form of fantastical creatures, sometimes composed of both human and animal elements. They were created in pairs and placed in the tomb to ward off evil spirits. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing