SculptureChinese8th century

Head of a Guardian Figure (dvarapala)

c. 735

Description

Head of guardian figure from entrance to cave 17 (west side) at Tianlongshan, Shanxi province

Classification

Sculpture

Medium

Light gray limestone with traces of gesso and pigment; from Tianlongshan Cave 17, near Taiyuan, Shanxi province

Culture

Chinese

Period

Tang dynasty, 618-907

Century

8th century

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Asian Art

Dimensions

H. 32 x W. 18.3 x D. 18.6 cm (12 5/8 x 7 3/16 x 7 5/16 in.)

Provenance

[Yamanaka & Co., New York, 5/23/1932] sold; to Grenville L. Winthrop, New York (1932-1943), bequest; to Fogg Art Museum, 1943.

Related Artworks

Sculpture

Tomb Figurine in the Form of a Standing, Bridled, Saddled Horse with a Textured Blanket over the Saddle

Unknown Artist, 7th-early 8th century

Molded white earthenware with cold-painted pigments over white ground

7th-8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Tomb Figurine in the Form of a Young Woman Wearing a Robe with Long Sleeves, Riding a Galloping Horse

Unknown Artist, late 7th-early 8th century

Molded brick red earthenware with cold-painted pigments over white ground

7th-8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Tomb Figurine in the Form of a Standing Lady Wearing a High-Waisted, Long-Sleeved Gown and Shawl

Unknown Artist, 7th-early 8th century

Molded off-white earthenware with traces of cold-painted polychrome pigment

7th-8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

One of a Pair of Standing Guardian Lions, Each with a Long-Stemmed Lotus Bud, from a Gilt-Bronze Altar Piece

Unknown Artist, 7th-first half 8th century

Gilt bronze

7th-8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Tomb Figurine in the Form of a Bridled, Saddled Horse Pawing the Ground, its Saddle Covered with a Blanket

Unknown Artist, 7th-early 8th century

Molded white earthenware with traces of cold-painted red, green, gray, and black pigments over white ground

7th-8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Standing, Armor-Clad, Bearded Guardian Warrior of So-Called 'Lokapala' or "Heavenly King" Type) with His Left Hand Raised as if to Grasp a Lance or Spear, Striped Sleeves Billowing in the Wind, and Helmet Surmounted by a Long-Tailed Bird with Wings Spread, Trampling a Supine Demon atop a Perforated Rocky Base

Unknown Artist, 8th century

Molded, brick-red earthenware with cold-painted pigments and oxidized silver leaf over white ground

8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Helmeted, Armor-Clad Guardian Warrior Wearing Pointed Boots, His Hands Raised to Chest Level in a Protective Gesture

Unknown Artist, late 7th cent. - early 8th cent.

Molded, brick-red earthenware with cold-painted pigments over white ground

7th-8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Horned Monster Mask with Bulging Eyes, Bared Teeth, and Stylized Leonine Mane

Unknown Artist, late 7th-8th century

Molded, white earthenware with cold-painted black pigment

7th-8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Guardian Warrior with Mouth Closed, from the tomb sculpture set: Pair of Standing, Helmeted, Armor-Clad, Bearded Guardian Warriors

Unknown Artist, 7th cent. - early 8th cent.

Molded, gray earthenware with cold-painted pigments and gold leaf over white ground

7th-8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Tomb Figurine in the Form of a Saddled, Standing Horse with its Proper Right Leg Raised

Unknown Artist, first half of 8th century

Off-white earthenware with cold-painted pigments over white slip (or white gesso?) ground in localized areas

8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Two Standing Officials, Each with Upturned Shoes, a 'Liangdang' Breastplate, and a Military Official's Headgear Emblazoned with a Descending Bird, and Each with His Hands Clasped at His Waist and Concealed within His Sleeves

Unknown Artist, first half 8th century

Molded, white earthenware with cold-painted pigments

8th centuryChinese

Sculpture

Tomb Figurine in the Form of a Court Attendant Wearing Upturned Shoes, 'Liangdang' Breastplate, and Official's Headgear, with His Hands Clasped at His Chest, and Standing on a Rocky Base

Unknown Artist, first half 8th century

Molded light gray earthenware with traces of cold-painted pigments over white ground

8th centuryChinese