RARE & Ancient Chinese Tang Dyn. Zodiac Terracotta Tomb Attendant Tiger Statue!

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Seller: houghton-usa ✉️ (2,092) 100%, Location: Sequim, Washington, US, Ships to: US, EUROPE, JP, Item: 254182646994 RARE & Ancient Chinese Tang Dyn. Zodiac Terracotta Tomb Attendant Tiger Statue!.

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS

Ancient Chinese Tang Dynasty

Terracotta Zodiac Tiger with Ritual Offering

c. China's Tang Dynasty

 

618-906 AD

This charming, unglazed, terracotta earthenware statue is an authentic Chinese Zodiac Tiger that dates to the Tang Dynasty (618—907 AD).  This Tiger’s head has been anthropomorphized with a standing, human figure that is about 7.5” or 192 mm tall and weighs about 9.4 oz. or 267 grams.  But what makes this Tiger statue really AMAZING & RARE is that he appears to be holding a ritual offering to the Gods or ancestors.

He wears a traditional, three-quarter length, long-sleeved robe over a full length tunic that covers his feet.  The statue’s hands are clasped tightly to his chest and he appears to be holding an offering, as was customary during the Tang Dynasty. The offering measures appears to have been removable or something was added inside the statues before the piece was fired in the kiln over 1,100 years ago.  Was it meant to symbolize the deceased heart?  Or was it another ritual offering to the Gods or ancestors?  Either way, I have never seen another Tang tomb attendant hold such an item!  He is EXTREMELY Rare and would be one of the centerpieces of your collection!

The Tiger tomb-attendant figure depicts the beast looking straight ahead.   The back of the Tiger's head only retains a small amount of the red pigment that appears to have adorned his proud head and perhaps his entire body.  This Tiger may have sat alone in a tomb, but more likely was part of full set of 12 animals that depicted the other animals of the zodiac.   He also could have part of a mingqi collection.   

This Tiger almost assuredly came from a burial tomb or temple located in Luoyang, in the Henan province of China.   Luoyang is known as the "City of Peonies" and is one of seven ancient capitals in China.  This Tiger attendant was likely designed to scare evil spirits from entering the tomb of the departed.

The statue’s exterior still has a very heavy layer of mineral, such as the white, calcium deposits, and earthen encrustations from being buried for over 1,100 years!  He is in “as found” condition with no repairs of restorations—a rarity for terracotta Tomb Attendant figures. 

 

The Chinese Zodiac

In China, the Tiger stood for fierceness, boldness, strength, power, and the drive to overcome all obstacles and succeed.  Tigers kill evil men and protect good ones.  They were thought to be the enemies of evil spirits, especially those who could torment the dead.  Therefore, Tiger are often seen carved into tombs and monuments of the deceased.  In fact, Tiger charms are still used in modern China to thwart evil spirits and drive away diseases and illness. This Tiger attendant was likely designed to scare evil spirits from entering the tomb of the departed.

In Chinese astrology the animal signs assigned by year represent what others perceive you as being or how you present yourself. It is a common misconception that the animals assigned by year are the only signs and many western descriptions of Chinese astrology draw solely on this system. In fact, there are also animal signs assigned by month (called inner animals), by day (called true animals) and hours (called secret animals).

While a person might appear to be a Dragon because they were born in the year of the Dragon, they might also be a Snake internally, an Ox truly and Goat secretively.

 

Condition:

The piece is in very good condition, as shown. It is unrestored and has age related wear and heavy mineral and earthen encrustation both inside the Tiger’s body and on the exterior.  He has not been cleaned.  Please see macro photos as they are part of the description of this Rooster Tomb attendant. 

Height:   Approximately 7.5” or 192 mm tall.

Provenance:

Legally obtained years ago through British controlled Hong Kong.  O btained from a private collection in New England.   

References:

Similar examples can be found in China’s famous Palace Museum in Beijing or in the National Palace Museum in Taipei and at the MET in New York City.  See also similar examples contained in the Luoyang   Ancient Tombs Museum ( 洛阳古墓博物 馆 ) Luoyang, China.

It is very RARE to find such fragile items in excellent condition after being buried for over 1,100 years!

 

It is in museum quality condition and is ready to display in your collection! 

I currently also have listed a Tomb Attendant Rooster that appears to have come from the same Tang tomb!

 

 

Offered for the first time in the United States.  

Bid with confidence--as I have Positive Feedback from hundreds of satisfied customers from around the world!

 

 

 Please look carefully at the photos, taken with 4x macro lens, since they are part of the description.  

It would make a wonderful addition to your collection or a Super gift!

 

 

The stand and the AA battery are not part of the auction, just there to give you a perspective and a good view of item.

And please ask any questions before you buy. 

Thanks!

 

  • Condition: This fabulous Chinese terracotta Tomb Attendant Tiger dates to about the Tang Dynasty (618-906). This anthropomorphic Rooster Statue is in Museum Quality condition with no cracks, repairs or restorations. Wonderful authentic patina of minerals and earthen deposits is period correct. It was likely part of a larger set of 12 Zodiac animals from an ancient Chinese tomb or temple. Please see photos for details. Thank You!
  • Region of Origin: China
  • Maker: Unknown
  • Primary Material: Porcelain & Pottery
  • Animal Type: Tiger
  • Age: Pre-1800
  • Color: Tan
  • Theme: Animal
  • Type: Statues

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