Terracotta Plaque Engraved With Animals. Han Dynasty, China. 1st Century B.c.

Large gray terracotta tombstone. The decoration is partly stamped and partly carved. In the center is a tiger surrounded by two horses and 11 birds. There must be strong symbolism in this scene. The edges and sides are decorated with a frieze of diamond shapes. The plaque was mounted in Europe onto a sturdy iron frame so it could be hung. Although slightly rusted, the frame is solid and can serve its purpose without any issues. The designs are full of life, particularly the horses. Chinese work dating from around the year zero, give or take 100 years. Good condition, no restoration; traces of ochre and white pigments remain in the recesses. 136 mm x 42 mm x 55 mm. In 2012, the Cernuschi Museum in Paris exhibited a series of Han dynasty tomb plaques; one of them featured a similar tiger, and another had the same diamond-shaped frieze.