Chimera (bixie)
CultureChinese
DateThree Kingdoms (220-265 C.E.)
MediumGilt bronze
DimensionsOverall: 3 × 2 1/2 × 3 inches (7.62 × 6.35 × 7.62 cm)
Credit LinePurchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust
Object number32-200
On View
On viewGallery Location
- 231
Collections
DescriptionBronze figure of a mythical horned and winged quadruped. Stands on four legs, neck is arched, mouth open. Head slightly turned to the proper left.Exhibition HistoryInternational Exhibition of Chinese Art, Burlington House, London, United Kingdom, 1935, No. 528, III.
Master Bronzes, Albright Gallery, Buffalo, NY, February 1937, No. 26, III.
Constant Companions, Art Department, University of St. Thomas, Houston, TX, October 28, 1964 – February 7, 1965, No. 73, p. 67.
The ancient Chinese sat on mats, and this mythical beast probably functioned as a mat weight. He is distinct from the traditional Chinese dragon. He is squatter, feline rather than reptilian, and possesses wings-features which Chinese dragons lack. Such creatures were probably originally inspired by Western Asian winged felines and were believed by the Chinese to avert evil (bixie).
Purchased through Laurence Sickman by The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, MO, 1932.
Constant Companions, (Houston, TX: University of St. Thomas, 1965): 67, No. 73 (repro.).
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