Title
Kneeling figure
Year/Period
Thermoluminescence dated to c 2nd century at tBCE
Region
Northern Vietnam
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 18 x 9 x 10.8 cm
Accession No.
2005-00008
Collection of
Credit Line
Purchased with funds from David Zuellig
This unusual pottery kneeling figure wears a simple loincloth and has stylised almond-shaped eyes with features similar to those of bronze figurative pieces found in Dong Son culture burials in northern Vietnam. In this case, pottery may have provided a more affordable alternative to bronze. Figures in the form of tomb guardians have also been found in related cultures such as the Dian culture burials in Sichuan province in southwest China.The Dong Son culture around the Red River delta region of north Vietnam is considered one of the most advanced bronze-casting cultures at this time.
