Han Tomb Gate in the Metropoiltan Museum of Art, July 2017

Tomb Gate


Object Details

Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Culture: China

Medium: Stone with pigment

Dimensions: a, right lintel: H. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm); W. 36 5/8 in. (93 cm); D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); Wt. 129 lbs (58.5 kg)
b, left lintel: H. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm); W. 44 1/8 in. (112 cm); D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); Wt. 145.5 lbs (66 kg)
c, right gate post: H. 52 3/4 in. (134 cm); W. 15 3/4 in. (40 cm); D 3 1/8 in. (8 cm); Wt. 185.2 lbs (84 kg)
d, left gate post: H. 52 3/8 in. (133 cm); W. 16 1/8 in. (41 cm); D. 3 1/8 in. (8 cm); Wt. 210.5 lbs (95.5 kg)
e, right gate: H. 54 5/16 in. (138 cm); W. 22 1/16 in. (56 cm); D. 4 5/16 in. (11 cm); Wt. 26.8 lbs (121 kg)
f, left gate: H. 50 in. (127 cm); W. 21 5/8 in. (55 cm); D. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); Wt. 253.5 lbs (115 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology


These five stone slabs—a lintel, two posts, and two door panels—stood at the entrance to a tomb. Their decoration was achieved through a combination of carving and painting. Since pigments deteriorate once stones are unearthed and exposed to air, these rare examples permit a look at the full chromatic glory of Han stone carvings.

The pictorial program brings together several symbolic needs of the deceased. Two gigantic doorknockers and a pair of bulls protect the tomb against evil. Patterns on the lintel and posts, including the sun, the moon, and auspicious animals, signal the heavenly domain. On the right-hand door, an immortal following a string of clouds stands ready to guide the deceased into Heaven. Taken together, the decoration transforms this tomb gate into the gate of Heaven.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/696827