Terracotta mask, China, Tang Dynasty (618-907). Photo courtesy Vanderven Oriental Art.

Height 36 - Width 41 - TL-test by Oxford Authentication. Price on request

A Chinese terracotta mask with the face of a threatening beast. The mask is made up of Lionesque features such as manes, large bulging eyes and a big nose above sharp teeth. On top of the head are stylized horns. These kind of masks were probably placed on tomb doors to ward off evil spirits. A knocker would probably have been held by the teeth.