Mythical Figure
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Object Label
This large menacing creature with antlers and a protruding tongue is a guardian (zhen mu shou), often found in tombs of the Chu culture in the southern Chinese provinces of Hunan, Henan, and Hubei during the Warring States through Western Han (206 B.C.E.–9 C.E.) periods. They are found placed in the chamber of the tomb, closest to the head of the tomb occupant and facing inward toward the occupant, in order to protect the deceased. Chu culture is renowned for its elaborately carved and painted lacquer objects; designs similar to the ones on this mythical guardian are also found on Chu textiles and inlaid bronzes of the same period.
Caption
Mythical Figure, 5th–3rd century B.C.E.. Wood, horn, lacquer, and polychrome, assembled: 41 5/8 x 30 1/2 x 12 3/16 in. (105.7 x 77.5 x 31.0 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Gisele Croes, purchase gift of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Black, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Dickes, Mr. and Mrs. Rohit Desai, and Brooklyn Museum Collection, 1999.20a-d. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1999.20a-d_SL3.jpg)
Collection
Collection
Title
Mythical Figure
Date
5th–3rd century B.C.E.
Dynasty
Eastern Zhou Dynasty
Period
Warring States Period
Geography
Place made: China
Medium
Wood, horn, lacquer, and polychrome
Classification
Dimensions
assembled: 41 5/8 x 30 1/2 x 12 3/16 in. (105.7 x 77.5 x 31.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Gisele Croes, purchase gift of Mr. and Mrs. Leon Black, Dr. and Mrs. Richard Dickes, Mr. and Mrs. Rohit Desai, and Brooklyn Museum Collection
Accession Number
1999.20a-d
Rights
Creative Commons-BY
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