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Tomb Panel with Relief of Figures in a Pavilion

early 2nd century
Not on view
Distinguished by her larger size, bird-shaped cap, and flowing gown, the figure seated at the far left represents Xiwangmu, the Queen Mother of the West. Thought to rule the land of the immortals (located somewhere to the west of China), Xiwangmu played a major role in Han funerary beliefs. The structured placement of Xiwangmu and her attendants in the pavilion is typical of later Han representations of heavenly courts, which under the influence of Confucianism, began to parallel the organization of earthly ones.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Tomb Panel with Relief of Figures in a Pavilion
  • Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)
  • Date: early 2nd century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Limestone
  • Dimensions: H. 31 1/4 in. (79.4 cm); W. 50 in. (127 cm); D. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1920
  • Object Number: 20.99
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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