Features
Golden beasts from Dingzhou ward off evil
Updated: Mar 11, 2025
govt.chinadaily.com.cn
Print
Share - WeChat
The two majestic Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220) mythical creatures are guardian beasts made using intricate metalwork techniques like filigree, welding and winding. Their golden bodies glow with inlaid red agate, turquoise and tiny gold granules – a true masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship.
Resembling a tiger, Bìxié (Chinese: 辟邪) has two antlers and Tiānlù (Chinese: 天禄) has only one. Both were believed to bring blessings and ward off evil.
Unearthed in 1969 from the tomb of Liu Chang, King Mu of Zhongshan, the stunning artifacts are now housed in Dingzhou Museum in Hebei.
