Tang Dynasty Dragon Mask

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Price £1500 (GBP)

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Item Details

  • Size

    21cm(D) / 8"(D)

  • Condition

    Excellent

  • Full Description

    Tang Dynasty Dragon Mask

    618-906 AD

    Roughly circular pale-orange earthenware mask, the discus constituting the animatedly modelled head of a dragon in high relief with exaggerated, distinctly feline features, wide open mouth baring fangs, lips extending far beyond the teeth, curled whiskers on either side and similarly curled beard; round deeply incised eyes beneath prominent furled brow, twin curved horns with tousled mane in the field between, the overall expression is fierce, designed to intimidate. Beaded border in high relief.

    Traces of pigment remaining; fired in reduction resulting in grey tone in areas.

    Exhibited at "Heads & Tails" Fortnum & Mason with Ancient Art, Piccadilly, March-April 2001

    cf. S.J. Vainker, Chinese pottery and porcelain, (London, The British Museum Press, 1991)