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Returned zodiac heads on show at national museum

By Lin Qi (chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2013-08-22

2. Celadon figurines of rat, ox, monkey:

These figures, also from National Museum of China's collection, were sculpted in the Sui Dynasty (AD 581-618). They were excavated in 1955, at Guizi Mountain near Wuhan, in Hubei province.

Returned zodiac heads on show at national museum

File photo of celadon figurines of rat, ox, monkey from National Museum of China's collection. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The figures measure between 15.3 and 16.5 centimeters in height. They are half-animal and half-human, and sit cross-legged, wearing the clothes of ancient Chinese court officials and holding writing tablets.

A layer of green-yellow glaze gives the figures a refined appearance.