Description:

East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 7th to 10th century CE. A striking earthenware figure of a Lokapala, or Heavenly Guardian, sculpted in a dynamic posture with one foot raised and firmly planted upon a recumbent animal - symbolizing his dominance over chaos and evil. Cold-painted in red, black, and white pigments, the figure has a fierce, expressive face, armored chest, and a dramatically flaring helmet with three pronged points - hallmarks of Tang guardian iconography. Lokapalas were placed in tombs to serve as fierce protectors of the deceased in the afterlife. This example captures the vigor and spiritual force of these divine warriors, with strong modeling and surviving traces of polychrome surface pigment adding vitality to the form. The rear displays natural burial accretions and the soft patina of age. Size: 6" W x 19.25" H (15.2 cm x 48.9 cm)

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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#195640

  • Condition: Chips and abrasions. Fading and losses to some pigments and surface layers. Stable hairline fissure along the leg. No discernable repairs or restoration.

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July 25, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$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