Terracotta moulded zoomorphic and anthropomorphic figures are known in Chinese as mingqi. Such statuettes would have been placed in Chinese graves, to assist, protect and entertain the deceased in the afterlife. Statuettes of chimeras, such as this fine example, would have been placed in the deceased’s tomb as guardians and companions. In Chinese mythology and culture, Pixiu creatures were reputed as very fierce. They were said to have an outstanding appetite for gold, silver and precious jewellery, as, mythologically, they were the only possible components of their diet. Hence, they were considered as a very auspicious symbol capable of attracting wealth. Pixiu crave the smell of precious metals and like to bring their masters money in their mouth, so it does not come as a surprise that they would be placed in tombs.
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