Lot 064 A RARE AND DYNAMIC PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF AN EARTH SPIRIT (ZHENMU SHOU) TANG DYNASTY (618–907) 唐代 彩绘陶镇墓兽

Description

A RARE AND DYNAMIC PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF AN EARTH SPIRIT (ZHENMU SHOU)
TANG DYNASTY (618–907)
唐代 彩绘陶镇墓兽
ESTIMATE: $4,000 – $6,000
Description
This powerful and formidable pottery figure represents an Earth Spirit (Zhenmu Shou), a supernatural guardian tasked with protecting the tomb and its occupant from malevolent spirits in the afterlife. Standing at an impressive 55.5 cm in height, the creature is masterfully modeled in a seated posture on a rocky plinth. It features a fierce, beast-like countenance with an open mouth, bulging eyes, and a set of long, curved horns rising dramatically from the head.
The anatomy of the guardian is meticulously detailed, with wing-like appendages protruding from the shoulders and a muscular, feline body that conveys a sense of suppressed energy. Significant traces of the original polychrome pigments remain, including vibrant cinnabar red and orange tones that accentuate the creature’s chest and back. The surface exhibits a rich, aged patina with characteristic loess soil encrustation and mineral deposits, indicative of its long-term interment. This figure is a quintessential example of Tang mingqi (funerary wares), reflecting the era’s complex religious beliefs and sophisticated ceramic sculpture.
Dimensions
• Height: 55.5 cm (21.8 in)
CONDITION REPORT
The Earth Spirit is in overall very good and stable condition for a pottery artifact of this scale and age. The original pigments are remarkably well-preserved in localized areas. Consistent with high-fired pottery of the Tang period, there are expected minor surface abrasions, pitting, and natural age-related fissures. One of the prominent horns shows evidence of a clean, professional structural restoration, which is stable. The interior remains hollow, and the base exhibits natural weathering and burial grit.
Provenance
• From a Private Canadian Collection
唐代 彩绘陶镇墓兽
描述
此件镇墓兽体量宏大，塑造威猛传神，是盛唐时期典型的高级墓葬护卫礼器。整器高约55.5厘米，镇墓兽呈蹲踞姿态，双足直立支撑于岩石状底座之上。其面部表情狰狞，张口露齿，双目圆睁，头顶生有一对硕长且弯曲有力的角，极具威慑力。
镇墓兽的身体构造刻画细腻，肩部生有双翼状凸起，躯干肌肉线条遒劲，展现出强烈的张力。器身保留了大量的原辅彩绘痕迹，特别是胸部与背部可见明艳的朱砂红及橘色彩。表面带有厚重的自然包浆与土蚀痕迹，并伴有矿物质沉积，体现了跨越千年的时代沧桑感。作为唐代“冥器”的精品，此像完美展示了当时精湛的雕塑工艺与丰富的宗教想象力。
技术规格
• 高度： 约 55.5 厘米
品相报告
整器品相良好，结构稳固，彩绘发色在局部区域保存完好，十分难得。陶质坚致，见有与年代相符的自然磨损、缩釉点及稳定的受沁细纹。由于顶角部位极其高耸且脆弱，其中一角可见细致的早期专业加固修复，目前状态极其稳定。器身内部中空，底部见有自然的传世土锈与矿物挂痕。
来源
• 来自加拿大私人珍藏