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Vessel in the Form of a Mythological Animal

Asian Art

On View: Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
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.
MEDIUM Yue ware, stoneware, glaze
  • Place Made: China
  • DATES 265–316 C.E.
    DYNASTY Western Jin Dynasty
    PERIOD Western Jin Dynasty
    DIMENSIONS 4 1/4 x 6 1/8 x 2 3/4 in. (10.8 x 15.6 x 7cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 1996.26.10
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Dr. and Mrs. George J. Fan
    EXHIBITIONS
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Asian Galleries, West, 2nd floor (China)
    CAPTION Vessel in the Form of a Mythological Animal, 265–316 C.E. Yue ware, stoneware, glaze, 4 1/4 x 6 1/8 x 2 3/4 in. (10.8 x 15.6 x 7cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Dr. and Mrs. George J. Fan, 1996.26.10. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1996.26.10_SL1.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 1996.26.10_SL1.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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