Tomb guardian

During the Warring States period of the Zhou dynasty, the kingdom of Chu was one of the most powerful states of southern China. The Chu lived and died surrounded by ‘spirits’ with whom they needed to communicate constantly. Depictions of fantastic and stylised animal guardians wearing deer antlers were common in the tombs of Chu aristocracy together with beds, tables and other artefacts for life in the afterworld. These imaginary creatures served to protect the deceased from evil spirits and ensure the survival of the soul in the hereafter.