Mortuary Figures of the Zodiac Signs

Twelve small gray earthenware figures stand or sit in a row, each with a human body and the animal head of a zodiac sign. Traces of slip and pigment remain on their worn surfaces, set against a dark, plain backdrop.

Look closer: One figure raises a single arm high above its head, breaking the row's calm pose.

Artist

Unknown

Date

500s

Medium

gray earthenware with traces of slip

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

3400 × 1477 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Norweb Collection