Tomb Figure (Bixie): Ram
Date317 - 419
MediumGreen-glazed (celadon) earthenware
DimensionsOverall: 7 3/8 × 4 × 8 1/2 in. (18.7 × 10.2 × 21.6 cm)
Credit LineGift Isaac S. and Jenifer A. Goldman
Object number2000.11
Status
Not on viewAs early as the Han dynasty (roughly 2nd century B.C.E.), small-scale sculptures of rams were buried as part of Chinese funerals. Rams were believed to be auspicious animals that could repel evil spirits from the tomb. In this richly glazed ceramic example, rendered in the typical kneeling posture, the unnatural presence of small incised wings adds to the beast’s magical powers.
By the Eastern Jin dynasty, when this protective ram was made, the technique for firing earthenware with a lustrous green glaze was perfected to such an extent that nearly all mingqi (miniature tomb furnishings) were produced as celadon wares. Although decayed in parts, the glazing on the piece exemplifies this technical leap in Chinese ceramic production.
