Tomb Tower with Figures
Object Label
This model tower represents a type of Han dynasty burial architecture in northern China. Tomb models found in southern China usually consist of a courtyard with miniature barn structures and figures of farm animals. The small human figures peering out the windows or standing stiffly at the balcony railings represent human souls. A barking guard dog at the first level adds a humorous note.
Caption
Tomb Tower with Figures, 25–220 C.E.. Earthenware, iron oxide glaze, overall height: 35 in. (88.9 cm) a: 15 1/2 × 17 3/8 × 15 in. (39.4 × 44.1 × 38.1 cm) b: 14 × 14 1/4 × 13 in. (35.6 × 36.2 × 33 cm) base of b: 7 5/8 × 7 5/8 in. (19.4 × 19.4 cm) c: 13 3/4 × 15 1/4 × 13 1/2 in. (34.9 × 38.7 × 34.3 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Therese and Erwin Harris, 1997.180a-d.
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Gallery
Not on view
Collection
Title
Tomb Tower with Figures
Date
25–220 C.E.
Dynasty
Eastern Han Dynasty
Period
Eastern Han Dynasty
Geography
Place made: China
Medium
Earthenware, iron oxide glaze
Classification
Dimensions
overall height: 35 in. (88.9 cm) a: 15 1/2 × 17 3/8 × 15 in. (39.4 × 44.1 × 38.1 cm) b: 14 × 14 1/4 × 13 in. (35.6 × 36.2 × 33 cm) base of b: 7 5/8 × 7 5/8 in. (19.4 × 19.4 cm) c: 13 3/4 × 15 1/4 × 13 1/2 in. (34.9 × 38.7 × 34.3 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of Therese and Erwin Harris
Accession Number
1997.180a-d
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