Vessel in the Form of a Mythological Animal

This mythological lion or chimera vessel was most likely used as a candlestick holder or as a water dropper or brush washer for calligraphy. Since the Han dynasty, these mythological beasts, known as bixie (literally, “expeller of evil”), with their elaborately coiffed beards and manes and protruding tongues, were seen as powerful protectors in both the mundane and spiritual worlds, exorcising evil spirits and warding off impending disaster with their sharp teeth and menacing fangs.