A Chinese Lokapala Temple Spirit Guardian, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 - 906 CE

Chinese Buddhist guardian statues made of earthenware and pigments, from the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), dated to the late 7th to first half of the 8th century.

The foreign facial features of this brilliantly sculpted guardian figure is evidence of the strong Western presence in Tang-dynasty China. Originating in the Lokapala deity of the Buddhist religion, which came to China from the West, this type of armored tomb guardian had an apotropaic function in Chinese burials.

Dimensions: Height: 24 inches (60 cm)

Condition: Intact and in very good condition, with good pigment remaining.

Provenance:  Private Virginia collection, acquired from the NY trade.