We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Tomb guardian figure

7th century

Artists

Unknown Artist

Alternate image of Tomb guardian figure by

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    China
    Period
    Tang dynasty 618 - 907 → China
    Date
    7th century
    Media category
    Ceramic
    Materials used
    earthenware, unglazed with traces of pigment
    Dimensions
    29.8 x 12.1 x 9.0 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Gift of Graham E. Fraser 1986
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    169.1986
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

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  • About

    In the pottery tomb figure tradition the category of guardian figures is one of the largest and most significant. This semi-human semi-mythical beast is generally identified as a 'qito', a formalised guise of the devil-clearing mask worn at New Year ceremonies. Such images were placed in the corners of tombs to repel evil spirits.

    Asian Art Dept., AGNSW, August 1986.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    China