China, probably Shaanxi province, Xi'an, Tang dynasty (618-907) / early 700s
Tomb Guardians
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Tomb Guardians as ceramic (China, probably Shaanxi province, Xi'an, Tang dynasty (618-907) · early 700s).
Sancai (three-color) glazes in green, amber, and transparent white, plus expensive cobalt blue glaze, show the high social status of the tomb’s occupant.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this ceramic as glazed earthenware, sancai (three-color) ware.
The museum's collection notes: With fierce expressions, elongated spikes, and exaggerated physical features, these two fantastic creatures were intended to guard the entrance to a tomb, warding off evil as well as keeping the soul of the deceased from wandering. Known as qitou , or earth spirits, both sculptures differ in appearance: one has an animal face, claws, and a pair of antlers; the other sports a human face with huge ears, hooves, and a short horn.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE
The Cleveland Museum of ArtTomb GuardiansOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.