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Mytological Animals


Mythological animals.



684 photos
Stucco plaque of a legendary dog-headed bird known as senmurw. This fabulous animal first appears in the late Sasanian period of the 6th century in embroidered roundels on textiles. In one tradition it sits on the tree of life and by beating its wings spreads the tree's seeds across the earth. ANE 135913
#03070146

Stucco plaque of a legendary dog-headed bird known as senmurw. This fabulous ani...

A phenix,mythologicl bird,rising from the ashes. Ivory carving,back of chair No.3 Detail,total size 58 x 58 cm
#03070161

A phenix,mythologicl bird,rising from the ashes. Ivory carving,back of ch...

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Human headed monster trampling a hind. Bronze, 18 x 18 cm
#03070164

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Human headed monster tr...

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Fabulous,mythological animals. Bronze, H:19 cm
#03070165

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Fabulous,mythological an...

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Fabulous,mythological animals. Bronze, H:19 cm
#03070166

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Fabulous,mythological an...

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Fabulous,mythological animals. Bronze, H:19 cm
#03070167

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Fabulous,mythological an...

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Fabulous,mythological animals. Bronze, H:19 cm
#03070168

Horsebit from Luristan,Iran,8th-7th BCE Fabulous,mythological an...

Group of sancai ceramic tomb figures, probably Henan province, Tang dynasty, early 8th century. The group comprises two fabulous beasts (one with a human face), two fierce lokapala, guardian figures usually seen at the entrance to temples, and in the centre, two officials, one military, one civil. The military official has armour over his green robe and a bird of prey on his hat. About one metre high, these are among the tallest known burial figures from the Tang dynasty (618-906). They are reputed to be from the tomb of Liu Tingxun, an important military commander who died in 728. The memorial tablet found with these figures records his skill in military matters and the arts of statesmanship, and that he died at the age of seventy-two. Apart from the heads, the figures are completely covered with lead sancai (three-colour) glaze. OA, 1936.10-12.220-9
#03070228

Group of sancai ceramic tomb figures, probably Henan province, Tang dynasty, ear...

Cloisonné jar, Ming dynasty, Xuande period, c1426-c1435. Depicting a dragon among clouds. The inscription on the neck of the jar shows that it was made under the auspices of the Yuyongjian, a division of the Imperial Household. The Chinese perfected the cloisonné enamel technique in the fifteenth century. By the time this jar was made it was considered appropriate for imperial use, and many superb pieces were made for palaces and temples. Some of the vessel forms were borrowed from ancient Chinese bronzes. Other shapes, and some of the motifs, resemble contemporary porcelains. OA, 1957.5-1.1
#03070235

Cloisonné jar, Ming dynasty, Xuande period, c1426-c1435. Depicting a dragon amon...

Jade rhyton, Chinese, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century. This cup takes the traditional form of a hornshaped rhyton. It stands vertically on a flat, narrow base, widening to an uneven lip. An inscription is carved around the inside of the lip. The outside surface is carved with wave-like scrolls, where sea-creatures frolic carved in bold relief. The lower half of the cup is held in the mouth of a fish or dragon, whose tail twists along the side of the cup.
#03070239

Jade rhyton, Chinese, Qing dynasty, 18th-19th century. This cup takes the tradit...

Illumination depicting early artillery device. The gun is mounted on a trestle like a great crossbow might be and its ammunition is quite clearly an enormous bolt. From Walter de Milemete's "De Nobilitatibus, Sapientiis et Prudentiis Regum". Illuminated Manuscript; 1326-27.
#03080157

Illumination depicting early artillery device. The gun is mounted on a trestle l...

The creation of the animals. The Creator among his animals. There are seven kinds of trees, with the vine emerging from God's halo.The animals include a lion, elephant, and unicorn. The birds are carefully studied; some are shown flying, some like the owl perch on trees, and others by the water. There are two fishes, apparently pike. From the Holkham Bible Picture Book. England; around 1320-1330. Shelfmark: Add. 47682 Page Folio Number: f.2v
#03080160

The creation of the animals. The Creator among his animals. There are seven kin...