wrathful guardian figure standing atop a naturalistic base with fist raised and one hand on hip, remnants of dark green glaze, attached to fitted carved wood base, 14-1/4 x 6-3/4 x 3-3/4 in. at base

Note: The lot is accompanied by a note from C. Niwa Fine Art Curios, Tokyo, dated October 31, 1948 stating the piece is "a Nio statue of the Song dynasty - produced about 700 years ago."

Provenance: C. Niwa Fine Art Curios, Tokyo, Japan (accompanied by note dated October 31, 1948); Collection of U.S. Military Officer Stationed in Asia during the 1940s and 1950s; by descent in family

most surfaces obscured by surface dirt layer and accretion, some scattered surface scratches; stand with light scratches and wear