Tomb Demon Analysis

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Meant to serve as a fearsome guardian of the deceased by standing guard beside coffins in ancient Chinese tombs, the Tomb Demon is an elongated statue consisting of a geometric figure fixed into a thick, rectangular base and sprouting long, elegant antlers* Ancient Arts of China: A 5,000 Year Legacy is the exhibition at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA where the object was viewed and where it currently resides. Although labelled inside the museum as originating from the Han people, more focused description - even by the museum itself – places the artifact as a unique feature of the Chu* The Chu controlled an extremely large territory around the central Yangzi River Basin and, as such, served as a major contender for power in the Warring States…show more content…
Faded coloration leaves the appearance of the figure to be a dark and very desaturated grey-brown. The deep brown arises from the aging of the original pigmentation of the wood and it is filtered through the grey and desaturated tints remaining from the residue of the black lacquer. In order for comprehensive understanding, the Tomb Demon can be recognized as being comprised of three basic parts: the base, the body, and the horns. To start with, the base is what is supporting it structurally at the bottom. In order to be heavy enough to offset the weight of the antlers and maintain the overall balance of the sculpture, the thickness is most likely a necessary factor of the sculpture’s integrity. It is adorned with symmetrical geometric patterns on each side. Smaller cubes are carved around each of the eight corners, the top cube not touching the one below it like foam baby-proofing corners put around sharp edges of furniture and fireplaces. Also decorating the sides of the base are raised rectangles aligned right in the center running vertically down the length of the face. Despite the precise symmetry in design, the base itself is not perfectly equilateral; The wear and tear of time is evident where the wood contorts, bulging and distorting. However, enough of the original shape has been preserved and maintained to be able to clearly see the design and patterns carved into the condensed base. The…show more content…
Even without the eyes and mouth, the head would still be the most detailed part of the entire object. The bottom of the head has angular edges, but the top corners have been smoothed the top of the head into a soft curve. The eyes and tongue are pieces that protrude from the face. Specifically, the tongue extends down from the underneath of the head piece. The area it attaches to faintly resembles a snout upon close inspection. Especially factoring in the faint details of the two circles carved to create nostrils and the slight protrusion of the inner mouth region. From there, the mouth fades back into the face but details carve the jaw to extend all the way back on both sides. Animalistic features. In this way, the figure begins to resemble a dragon or a snake. Surrounding the forehead is a circlet with circles carved out of larger circular shapes. The circular shapes resemble jewels set into metal medallions. In the format of a demon, the circlet would represent power; in the form of a guardian, the circlet would represent royalty. Looking extremely close, the shapes may not have existed separately, but blend together in a stylized swirl – in this case, the decorative addition may serve to illustrate animal
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