Lot 14
Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Lokapala Guardian Figure
Chinese Tang Dynasty Pottery Lokapala Guardian Figure
Starting Bid: $600
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East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A powerful pottery figure of a Lokapala, one of the Buddhist guardian kings tasked with protecting the Dharma and sacred spaces. The warrior stands with one leg raised atop a rocky base, his posture dynamic and forceful, embodying vigilance and divine authority. His right arm is bent, the fist raised in a gesture of readiness, while his left hand rests on his hip, accentuating his commanding stance. The figure wears a short armored tunic adorned with swirling circular motifs across the chest and a wide belt, his legs protected by greaves rendered in fine incised detail. His face, expressive and fierce, displays furrowed brows, a mustache, and a stern mouth, all meant to instill awe and ward off malevolent spirits. Topped with a crested helmet, his headgear reinforces both his martial identity and his role as a celestial defender. Size: 2.9" L x 6.4" W x 13.1" H (7.4 cm x 16.3 cm x 33.3 cm)
Remnants of red and white pigment across the surface recall the figure's once vibrant polychromy, a hallmark of Tang dynasty tomb sculpture. Lokapalas such as this were often placed in elite burials as protectors of the deceased, symbolizing not only guardianship but also the triumph of Buddhist and imperial order over chaos.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#197221
- Condition: Chipping to base and weathering to surface as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and very nice with liberal remaining pigments and scattered earthen deposits.
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|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |