Detail of a Tomb Figure of a Warrior in the Princeton University Art Museum, September 2012

Chinese, Tang dynasty, 618–907

Place made: China

Tomb figure of a warrior

Ceramic with pigment and traces of gilding

h. 81.8 cm. (32 3/16 in.) x w. 38.2 x d. 25 cm

Museum purchase, Caroline G. Mather Fund

y1992-30

Gallery Label:

Tang burials often included beast and warrior guardians positioned near tomb doors to protect the earthbound soul of the deceased by quelling malevolent demon spirits. This warrior wears a leather helmet, armored breastplate, lion-mask belt buckle, and lion-mask epaulets at its shoulders. The figure is painted with elaborate scrolling motifs in red, black, and yellow pigment; traces of gilding remain on the breastplate and belt.


Text from: artmuseum.princeton.edu/collections/objects/33588