In China, the dragon and phoenix have long been divine animals that stand as intermediaries between heaven and mankind. The animals sacrificed during religious offerings also connected these two worlds. Thus, from prehistory, ritual vessels were either decorated with the forms of these auspicious animals or took on their shapes.

During the Warring States Period, roughly between the 5th and 3rd Centuries BC, vivid representations of various auspicious animals or fusion of different animal images appeared. These rich images from the Shang period derived from a tradition that respected both gods and ancestors.
    Deer, as well as dogs, were buried with the deceased to assist and guard them on their journey to heaven. In latter times deer were replaced with sculpted images of dragons, phoenix, tigers, and human figures, all of which had deer antlers. This tradition was prevalent throughout southern China during the Warring States Period, especially in the state of Chu where many of these tomb guardian animals have been found.
    Four of these tomb guardian figures as well as other representations of auspicious animals, mainly from the Warring States Period, make up this exhibition. We hope you will find their beauty as captivating as we do.