Candlestand in the Shape of a Chimera Bixie

A crouched, lion-like bixie with incised mane, scale-patterned flanks and clawed feet, carrying a cup-shaped socket on its back that held a candle. The pale greenish-brown glaze and molded detail suggest Yue ware from the Western Jin period.

Look closer: A small cup-shaped socket sits on the creature's back, behind the head, for holding a candle.

Artist

Unknown

Date

265–316 CE

Medium

Glazed stoneware with molded and incised decoration, Yue ware

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

3400 × 2417 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, John L. Severance Fund