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Chinese Art :
Tang Lokapalas : Pair of Tang Dynasty Polychrome Lokapala Warriors
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Pair of Tang Dynasty Polychrome Lokapala Warriors - LSO.40
Origin: China
Circa: 618
AD
to 906
AD
Dimensions:
19.5" (49.5cm) high
Collection: Chinese Art
Medium: Terracotta
Additional Information: priced individually 36,000.00 pounds
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
This pair of polychrome Lokapala sculptures is an
exceptional example of the warrior and guardian
images placed in the tombs of high-ranking
members of the T’ang Dynasty. As well as being
exquisitely modelled, the figures are highly
decorated and painted with a range of organic
pigments that have survived extremely well.
The first figure (LSO.40.1) wears an ornate
single-disc headdress and a highly decorated
high-collared tunic with zoomorphic shoulder
flares and large, wide sleeves. He is standing in
heroic pose (c. 52 cm tall) upon the recumbent
and docile body of an ox. The tunic and details
are predominantly painted, including organic and
floral deigns and patterns. The face is extremely
fine, with good colouring and detailed point work
of the features and facial hair. The second figure
(LSO.40.2) has a larger, three-pointed headdress
with similar clothing and zoomorphic shoulder
flares, with the same large sleeves. He stands c.
50 cm tall. The animal upon which he stands is
probably a deer, which has been exquisitely
observed and modelled. Surface detail is both
sculptural and painted, with considerable
attention being paid to the texture and surface of
the fabric, as well as the floral paintwork. The
face is extremely finely painted, with individual
swirls of hair and other features picked out in
minute detail.
The most extraordinary aspect of these
remarkable statues is their almost perfect
preservation. Whereas Lokapala statues are not
uncommon in the graves of social notables, the
vast majority have suffered considerable
taphonomic damage through burial, notably to
the fragile organic pigments with which the
sculptures were usually painted. These museum-
quality specimens are a spectacular exception.
Warrior figures are one of the numerous figure
types included in the grave offerings of deceased
social luminaries throughout this period. Entire
retinues of ceramic figures were incorporated
into the grave furniture, including animals,
entertainers, musicians and guardians. According
to one Chinese tradition explaining their origin,
the emperor Taizong, when ill, was threatened
by ghosts outside his room screeching and
throwing bricks and tiles. When General Jin
Shubao (Chin Shu-pao) and a fellow officer came
to stand guard the activity of the ghosts ceased.
The grateful emperor had portraits of the two
men hung on either side of his palace gates, and
thereafter their images became widespread as
door-gods.
(LSO 40.1 AND 40.2)
- (LSO.40)
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