A pair of antique Chinese terracotta tomb sculptures representing spirit guardians, or Zhenmushou. Tang dynasty, 618 to 907. The tomb guardians originally stood in pairs at the tombs of Chinese rulers. Both figures in the pair are mythological composite creatures, one an amalgamation of various animals and the other combined of human and animal traits. The sculptures served to ward off potential tomb robbers or evil spirits. Ancient Oriental Earthenware And Pottery, Chinese Mingqi.