CELESTIAL GENERALS

Tomb guardian

Tomb guardian

Deity
Celestial Generals
Sculpture Type
Clay Sculpture
Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
Date / Period
Tang dynasty (618–907), ca. late 7th–first half of the 8th century
Institution
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Collection
Asian Art
Medium / Material
Earthenware with colored glaze (Sancai ware)
Dimensions
H. 16 3/8 in. (41.6 cm)
Accession Number
1991.253.9
Source
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Open Access, object 42382.

Description

Tomb guardian. Figure; Tang dynasty (618–907), ca. late 7th–first half of the 8th century; Earthenware with colored glaze (Sancai ware).

Armor Analysis

Mingguang-style armor was one of the most iconic forms of Tang dynasty armor, named after the polished breastplates that resembled shining mirrors.