Known as Lokapala and as the Devaraja, or
Celestial King, this style of guardian figure is a
more general type of Chinese art known as
mingqi. Mingqi were any of a variety of objects
specifically created for interment in the tombs of
elite individuals in order to provide for the
afterlife. These guardians were most likely
interred in order to ward off potential tomb
robbers or perhaps evil spirits in the next world
that might try to infiltrate the tomb.
Traditionally, this fierce, armored guardian
stands, as represented here, upon a recumbent
ox, with one foot resting on the head and
another on the body, symbolic of the Celestial
King’s authority. Originally, this type of figure
had its origins in Buddhist philosophy; however,
over the ages, as society became more
secularized, they began to fulfill the more
generic role of tomb guardians. As society
evolved, these figures lost their religious
significance and became symbolic of the military
might that protected the wealth of the Tang from
the nomadic barbarian invaders of the North.
Clearly, these are imposing figures that were
supposed to ward away the forces of evil and
protect the deceased throughout eternity. The
body armor of this Lokapala has been decorated
with a gorgeous sancai, or three colored, glaze.
This type of glaze originated during the Tang
Dynasty and sancai-glazed pieces remain among
the most popular works of Chinese art. Although
these works were never meant to be viewed by
the living, they amaze us with their refined
artistry and sophisticated beauty. While this
Celestial King is supposed to frighten us with his
stern glare and aggressive posture, we are
instead drawn to his overwhelming beauty and
history.
- (H.982)
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