Tomb figure of a boar

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    late 7th to early 8th century
  • Geography

    possibly Jianxi Gushui site, probably Luoyang, Henan province, China
  • Material

    Earthenware with lead-silicate glaze colored by iron oxide
  • Dimension

    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)
  • Accession Number

    F1992.49
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1992.49

Object Details

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Previous custodian or owner

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

    possibly Jianxi Gushui site, probably Luoyang, Henan province, China
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Clapp and Mrs. Philip H. Thayer
  • Type

    Sculpture
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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