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This is a stone sculpture of a lokapala, a
heavenly warrior who protects Buddhist
doctrines. The figure stands commandingly
atop a demon, with one arm raised, the
other resting on the hip, wearing elaborate
armor over a longer tunic, tied at the waist,
the shoulder guards formed as
dragonheads, wearing tall boots and
greaves, with hair swept up in a high
topknot.
The lokapalas are protectors of Buddhist
doctrines. Wielding the power to subdue evil
and demons, they maintain a wrathful
outlook to showcase their might. The most
prominent ones are the four celestial
guardians of the four directions.
This sculpture is coherent with the typical
Tang style, particularly when compared to
their Sancai and terracotta forms. It is
perhaps a later imitation of Tang style
sculpture.While this lokapala steps upon a
demon, the other popular choice is an ox.
- (HK.2041)
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