From Court to Caravan Chinese Tomb Sculptures from the Collection of Anthony
M. Solomon
October 9, 2002 - February 16, 2003
Mustachioed Guardian Warrior of "Heavenly King," or Lokapala, Type
Tang dynasty, 8th century
White earthenware with cold-painted pigments, gold leaf, and oxidized silver leaf
During the late seventh and eighth centuries guardian figures in tombs are characteristically shown with exaggerated musculature, ferocious mien and dynamic posture, often trampling a demon underfoot. This imagery was inspired by lokapalas, the heavenly guardians that were portrayed, often on a monumental scale, in Buddhist temples of the time. This magnificent figure retains much of its original pigment and gold and silver leaf, the latter now tarnished and darkened.
Rockefeller Collection
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