East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 906 CE. A spectacular pottery figure known as a lokapala - one of the Four Heavenly Kings who guarded the cardinal directions as protectors of the Buddhist dharma and the religious community. Elaborately painted in vibrant hues of scarlet, emerald, black, white, and cobalt, the robust figure stands assertively atop a grotesque demon who lies slain beneath his booted feet. The ancient deity shifts his weight to his left leg as he bends his right arm before him with his hand in a tight fist as though brandishing a weapon and places his left hand atop his hip. His athletic physique presents a puffed-out chest and strong shoulders, all highly adorned in a floor-length robe and intricate armor with skillfully painted floral motifs and spikes that project from his chest, shoulders, and biceps. Size: 8.6" W x 21.2" H (21.8 cm x 53.8 cm)

Turning slightly left, he peers decidedly forward; his round face displaying a fierce visage of bulging eyes beneath a narrowed brow and a fleshy forehead, a sharp nose with broad nostrils, a wide mouth held tightly shut, and full cheeks. A magnificent helmet crowns his head, comprised of a towering knob that protrudes from the top, flanked by a pair of sizeable, curved horns. Looking into his fierce eyes and stern face, we understand why such works were intended to frighten away tomb robbers and evil spirits. Yet despite his intimidating nature, we are not repelled by him; instead, we are attracted to his artistic mastery and intriguing history.

The Tang Dynasty was a thrilling time in Chinese history, when trade flourished along the Silk Routes and unified China was the richest country on earth. Chang'an (now Xi'an) was the Tang capital, and it was one of the most cosmopolitan cities on earth, filled with foreigners who had travelled to China to trade; the influence of foreigners and talented native Chinese, combined with the economic prosperity brought on by trade and the new religion from India, Buddhism, created a powerful cultural milieu where poetry and other forms of art flourished. This figure exemplifies the foreign influences on the Tang Dynasty as it corresponds to Buddhist warrior deities that assume a mortuary role in China but also serve as protectors of Buddhist temples, known as "Protector of the Burial Vault" or "Protector of the Burial Ground."

According to one Chinese tradition explaining their origin, the Emperor Taizong when ill was threatened by ghosts outside of his room screeching and throwing bricks and tiles. When his general Jin Shubao (Chin Shu-pao) and a fellow officer came to stand guard the activity of the ghosts ceased. The grateful emperor had portraits of the two men hung on either side of his palace gates, and thereafter their images became widespread as door-gods.

Cf. Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2003.242.1.2 and Birmingham Museum of Art, 2008.117

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available to the buyer upon request.

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

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#170548

Losses to proper right horn, shoulder spike, and top of headdress. Helmet and small area of base repaired with break lines visible. Chipping to headdress and base. A few stable hairline fissures, as well as some nicks and flaking to surface, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining pigments and light earthen deposits throughout. TL holes to base and under right arm.