Tomb figure of a boar

A boldly-modeled earthenware boar covered with amber (or deep chestnut brown) glaze. The interior of the boar is hollow. Although the object is modest, the potter imbued the boar with a sense of naturalism. Its form, with arched neck, squinty eyes, flat ears, fangs, and long, broad snout, capture the fierce power and stubbornness of an actual boar. The animal’s legs are squarely planted on the rectangular ring base.

Historical period(s)
Tang dynasty, late 7th to early 8th century
Medium
Earthenware with lead-silicate glaze colored by iron oxide
Dimensions
H x W x D: 12.4 x 7 x 18.4 cm (4 7/8 x 2 3/4 x 7 1/4 in)
Geography
China, Henan province, probably Luoyang, possibly Jianxi Gushui site
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Clapp and Mrs. Philip H. Thayer
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection
Accession Number
F1992.49
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Sculpture
Type

Tomb figure: animal

Keywords
boar, China, earthenware, Tang dynasty (618 - 907)
Provenance

Excavated at Luoyang, Henan province, China [1]

To ?
Georg Jensen, Inc., New York [2]

From ?
Jeanne T. Clapp’s father, purchased from Georg Jensen, Inc., New York [3]

To 1992
Edwin J. Clapp and Jeanne T. Clapp, Bethesda, Maryland, by gift or inheritance from Jeanne T. Clapp’s father [4]

From 1992
Freer Gallery of Art, gift of Edwin J. Clapp and Jeanne T. Clapp, Bethesda, MD [5]

Notes:

[1] See statement from Georg Jensen, Inc., copy in object file, Collections Management Office.

[2] See note 1.

[3] Curatorial Remark 5 in the object record.

[4] See note 3.

[5] Freer Gallery of Art Purchase List after 1920 file, Collections Management Office.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Clapp
Georg Jensen, Inc.

Description

A boldly-modeled earthenware boar covered with amber (or deep chestnut brown) glaze. The interior of the boar is hollow. Although the object is modest, the potter imbued the boar with a sense of naturalism. Its form, with arched neck, squinty eyes, flat ears, fangs, and long, broad snout, capture the fierce power and stubbornness of an actual boar. The animal's legs are squarely planted on the rectangular ring base.

Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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