‘ZHENMUSHOU’, TOMB PROTECTIVE CREATURE WITH FELINE SNOUT

Description The hollow figurine depicts a lion-snouted zhenmushou crouched on its hind legs. The broad, low head has clenched jaws, a flat nose, wide, round eyes, and small, pointed ears. These continue below with a black-streaked arch representing the creature's mane. In the center of the forehead stands a twisted horn with a final curl. From the nape to the tail, which is barely visible, extends a dorsal crest with four rounded outgrowths. Two sinuous flat pointed wings are applied to the shoulders. The forelimbs show pointed spurs and all four legs are hoof-shaped. The belly is hollow. The complex original pigmentation of the figurine is not immediately recognizable.