Formal Analysis: Tomb Guardian With Human Face

Formal Analysis: Tomb Guardian with Human Face Tomb Guardian with Human Face, a free-standing ancient Chinese sculpture 35 inches tall, half life-size, is now displayed in the Cleveland Museum of Art (Figure 1). The ceramic statue is adorned with a white crown and a glorious jewel necklace. Erecting on its haunch with chests puffed out, it sits firmly on a pedestal. The image’s excellent condition, its realistic appearance, its stable composition, and the ferocious details of its head all suggest that it may have been a tomb guardian placed at the entrance of or on the way to the coffin chamber. The immaculate condition of the statue indicates that it may have been kept underground. It was completely stored, no fragment lost. Also, its glaze is preserved exceptionally well, most of which remains on the statue, even the subtle black
Its glared eyes look downward, intending to stare directly into intruders' eyes from a commanding position to terrify them. It might have been placed against the wall, because a hole exists on the back of the statue (Fig 2). This part of the image was hollowed to prevent the piece from exploding or cracking. The tomb designer probably intended to hide the hole, so the image is placed against the wall. Although usually the finished hair on the back of the work may suggest that its back is also meant to be displayed. The statue has a fierce and vigilant look, also playing a role to ward away intruders. It has raised eyebrows, flaring nostrils, half-open mouth, as if it is growling. It also has a pair of glared and slightly squinting eyes, as large as bells. Its fluted ears are aware of even the smallest sound generated by the intruders. The vigilance and fierceness of the image are essential to the safety of the tomb and the departed