Pair of Earth Spirits

Item #: 515

Date: Tang Dynasty (c. 618-906 CE)

Medium: Painted Pottery

Size: 22 3/4" H & 23" H

Testing:

Description: A very unusual pair of Earth Spirits with extensive original pigment. A classic but rare Buddhist Mandala shape surrounds each head of this pair. Virtually all other earth spirits display spikes, tendrils, horns and/or weaponry-like forms as ornamentation around their heads. The facial appearance of the human-headed spirit of this pair is also very rare because of its classic Indian style face.