Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Lokapala figure - 51.2 cm

Chinese Tang Dynasty Terracotta Lokapala Guardian – 7th to 10th Century AD An imposing Tang Dynasty terracotta Lokapala (Heavenly Guardian), dating to the 7th to 10th Century AD, represented standing dynamically upon a recumbent animal-form base. The guardian is portrayed wearing elaborate protective armor with pronounced shoulder elements and a striking high-crested headdress flanked by large wing-like projections. His forceful stance, raised arms and richly modeled costume convey the martial authority traditionally associated with these supernatural protectors. Lokapala figures were produced as mingqi, funerary objects placed within elite tombs to guard the deceased and repel malevolent forces in the afterlife. The surface preserves extensive burial accretions together with traces of original pigmentation, particularly reddish, greenish and pale tones, providing evidence of the figure’s formerly polychrome appearance. The crown has undergone an old repair, consistent with the preservation history of the piece. Material: Terracotta Dimensions: 51.2 cm high Weight: 3.45 kg Provenance: Acquired in the United Kingdom. From a Hong Kong private collection assembled before 1980. We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years. A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email. This item has been legally acquired under European Law.

Estimate:£1,267.68

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