East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A hollow cast pottery guardian figure known as a lokapala with a fierce expression wearing elaborate armor and robes. He is adorned in greaves and a split tunic skirt. The cloth stretches over a portly belly, and a pair of spherical ornaments rest on his shoulder, above a pair of dragon heads shoulder pads. This lokapala stands upon a recumbent ox, with one foot planted on the head and the other foot on the rump of the beast in triumph. One hand rests on his hip, and the other is raised, as if he held a weapon at one point to strike down evil spirits. The surface retains much of the original pigments of white, black, and vermillion red hues. Size: 7" L x 3" W x 16.5" H (17.8 cm x 7.6 cm x 41.9 cm)

Lokapalas were demonic guardians from Buddhist tradition that were believed to protect the deceased, and part of a group of 4 tomb figures composed of 2 lokapalas and 2 civil officials to represent each of the cardinal directions, and protectors of Buddhist beliefs. These figures were one of the few Buddhist themes depicted in Chinese funerary iconography. The faces of these lokapala are often depicted as foreigners to represent the cultural exchange and spread of Buddhism from other parts of Asia. This may be Virupaksha, Guardian King of the West, both fearsome and wrathful- trampling the ox underfoot is a sign of his might, with the aid of his sword, he could scare away tomb robbers and evil spirits.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated.

Provenance: Barakat Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#170546

Loss to top of headdress helmet. Tip of tunic on front side is reattached. Surface abrasions and chips. Some losses and fading to pigments, but good remains throughout. Heavy earthen deposits throughout. TL hole on base and second TL on back of left arm.