Mythological beast

China

5th century BCE

Bronze and turquoise

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This fantastic creature combines features from various animals, including a tiger-like head and a water buffalo’s hooves. The sculpture catches the moment before the creature is about to leap. The power of the shoulders is emphasized with a spiral pattern and a raised ring with turquoise inlay. While a number of contemporary bronze animals of similar scale and configuration have square sockets on their backs and probably supported poles, this charming creature may have been cast as a stand-alone sculpture. Gallery G214 Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury