‘ZHENMUSHOU’ TOMB PROTECTIVE CREATURE WITH ANIMAL SNOUT

Description The zhenmushou is crouched in a rigid frontal posture (here portrayed from the side). It has an animal head, vaguely feline, with gaping jaws, high horns and wings behind it. The muzzle is broad and flattened, the nose huge, the eyes spaced and protruding, the ears small. The mouth has a dangling tongue and four sharp canines in evidence. A sort of mane, streaked with black, is on the sides of the muzzle and the twisted horns resemble those of the impala (African antelope). A five-pointed dorsal crest followes the body from the nape of the neck to the back of the animal, while the long, sinuous tail rises up the back. The chest is powerful, and small flat wings are applied to the sides. The forelimbs show pointed cubital spurs and are well shaped, with five-toed legs, while the hind limbs are poorly developed and summarily sketched. The hollowed-out belly leaves room for a large opening beneath the mighty chest. The dominant colours are white, orange, black and red.