Vessel in the Form of a Mythological Animal
Asian Art
On View: Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
This mythological lion or chimera vessel was most likely used as a candlestick holder or as a water dropper or brush washer for calligraphy. Since the Han dynasty, these mythological beasts, known as bixie (literally, “expeller of evil”), with their elaborately coiffed beards and manes and protruding tongues, were seen as powerful protectors in both the mundane and spiritual worlds, exorcising evil spirits and warding off impending disaster with their sharp teeth and menacing fangs.
MEDIUM
Yue ware, stoneware, glaze
DATES
265â316 C.E.
DYNASTY
Western Jin Dynasty
PERIOD
Western Jin Dynasty
DIMENSIONS
4 1/4 x 6 1/8 x 2 3/4 in. (10.8 x 15.6 x 7cm) (show scale)
COLLECTIONS
Asian Art
ACCESSION NUMBER
1996.26.10
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. George J. Fan
EXHIBITIONS
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is on view in Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
CAPTION
Vessel in the Form of a Mythological Animal, 265â316 C.E. Yue ware, stoneware, glaze, 4 1/4 x 6 1/8 x 2 3/4 in. (10.8 x 15.6 x 7cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. George J. Fan, 1996.26.10. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1996.26.10_SL1.jpg)
IMAGE
overall, 1996.26.10_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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RIGHTS STATEMENT
Creative Commons-BY
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