This piece of artwork is a rather abstract set of the twelve zodiac animals. Each animal is in a standing position with a robe dressed onto them. This is made with clay and decorated with white slip.

The Chinese zodiac are all animals that represent power and each of them have different traits. From a distance, these sculptures seem to be quite similar in appearance, but up close, each of their distinct faces can be easily identified as one animal from the zodiac.

Since this was from the Tang Dynasty, the power of time has worn out these figures, causing them to be harder to identify. However, it is still evident that they are wearing robes as they are intricately carved. The creases and folds of the robes could be seen in great detail. 

Since these were in such high detail, this artwork likely belonged to an individual of wealth. These six figures posed in a line to face the middle also shows the order that they come in. This order was determined by a mythological story about a race called by the Jade Emperor. Those who crossed the line first were first in the zodiac.

Each figure stands in a very powerful stance and posture, but each with a unique vision, showing the motif of the uniqueness of each person born in each zodiac year.

From the collections of: The Met

Made by Bowen Hu