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Exhibition Guide

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Figure of a Striding Camel

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Art Object Info

Unidentified Artist

Medium:
Earthenware with brown, green, and transparent lead glazes over white slip
Size:
Depth: 8 1/16"
Width: 28 3/4"
Height: 32 1/2"
Date:
Early 8th Century

Bright lead glaze, applied in layers, evokes a camel’s heavy, matted fur. Splashes on the slab base reveal the runny nature of the glaze. This clay camel was made for a Tang dynasty (618–907) tomb and would have been accompanied by many other ceramic figures.

Tombs belonging to the aristocratic or military elite were furnished with everything necessary for the deceased soul’s comfort and amusement. Mortuary pottery of girls playing polo, horses saddled and ready to ride, and fearsome guardian creatures, as well as copies of metalwork from Central Asia, are among the objects discovered in these tombs. Family members amply provided such items for the soul of the deceased to secure their ancestor’s favor.

Families reinforced their status by carrying furnishings to the tomb in a display of filial piety and disposable wealth. Some families were even bankrupted by this practice. An imperial decree in 742 limited the contents of tombs based on the rank of the deceased: officials of the third rank and above were permitted up to 70 figures, while most were allowed only 15.

Gift of David K.E. Bruce BMA 1956.148

Figure of a Striding Camel

Unidentified Artist
Date:
Early 8th Century
Medium:
Earthenware with brown, green, and transparent lead glazes over white slip
Size:
Depth: 8 1/16"
Width: 28 3/4"
Height: 32 1/2"

Bright lead glaze, applied in layers, evokes a camel’s heavy, matted fur. Splashes on the slab base reveal the runny nature of the glaze. This clay camel was made for a Tang dynasty (618–907) tomb and would have been accompanied by many other ceramic figures.

Tombs belonging to the aristocratic or military elite were furnished with everything necessary for the deceased soul’s comfort and amusement. Mortuary pottery of girls playing polo, horses saddled and ready to ride, and fearsome guardian creatures, as well as copies of metalwork from Central Asia, are among the objects discovered in these tombs. Family members amply provided such items for the soul of the deceased to secure their ancestor’s favor.

Families reinforced their status by carrying furnishings to the tomb in a display of filial piety and disposable wealth. Some families were even bankrupted by this practice. An imperial decree in 742 limited the contents of tombs based on the rank of the deceased: officials of the third rank and above were permitted up to 70 figures, while most were allowed only 15.

Gift of David K.E. Bruce BMA 1956.148