Chinese Tang Dynasty Earthenware Earth Spirit

Chinese, Tang Dynasty. The white slip an orange pigment detailed buff earthenware earth spirit here depicted as a fierce creature with bulging eyes, bared teeth, flared nostrils and with a goatee. Having long horns and flame form crests running to the elbow. Having three taloned claws, the lower grasping a serpent. Seated with legs spread on a kidney form plinth. Approx: h. 22.25". Provenance: From the Private Collection of Morton & Kathleen Sachs of Louisville, Kentucky, purchased from TK Asian Antiquities (Williamsburg, VA) in 2000 & 2001.