Untitled

Unknown

early 2nd century · Limestone · Asian Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

early 2nd century

Medium

Limestone

Culture

China

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1920