Candlestand in the Shape of a Chimera Bixie
Unknown Artist
265–316 CE
Medium
Glazed stoneware with molded and incised decoration, Yue ware
Dimensions
h. 8.3 cm, l. 11.4 cm
Classification
Ceramic
Department
Chinese Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
John L. Severance Fund
Accession Number
1983.77
About this artwork
The candlestand in the shape of a chimera or bixie (a fantastical hybrid creature that was believed to ward off evil spirits) was molded in two parts. Incisions on both sides of the feline body suggest wings. Stone bixie placed in front of tomb entrances are prominent among the Six Dynasties kings buried in Nanjing. Candlestands in the form of chimera were found in tombs but may have been used in daily life too.