Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Lokapala figure - 51.2 cm
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,500 - € 3,000
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Tang Dynasty terracotta Lokapala guardian, dating to the 7th–10th century AD, standing 51.2 cm high with a recumbent base, in very good condition and of original authenticity, provenance from a Hong Kong private collection assembled before 1980 and acquired in the United Kingdom.
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Description from the seller
Chinese Tang Dynasty Terracotta Lokapala Guardian – 7th to 10th Century AD
An imposing Tang Dynasty terracotta Lokapala (Heavenly Guardian), dating to the 7th to 10th Century AD, represented standing dynamically upon a recumbent animal-form base. The guardian is portrayed wearing elaborate protective armor with pronounced shoulder elements and a striking high-crested headdress flanked by large wing-like projections. His forceful stance, raised arms and richly modeled costume convey the martial authority traditionally associated with these supernatural protectors. Lokapala figures were produced as mingqi, funerary objects placed within elite tombs to guard the deceased and repel malevolent forces in the afterlife. The surface preserves extensive burial accretions together with traces of original pigmentation, particularly reddish, greenish and pale tones, providing evidence of the figure’s formerly polychrome appearance. The crown has undergone an old repair, consistent with the preservation history of the piece.
Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: 51.2 cm high
Weight: 3.45 kg
Provenance: Acquired in the United Kingdom. From a Hong Kong private collection assembled before 1980.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years. A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired under European Law.
Chinese Tang Dynasty Terracotta Lokapala Guardian – 7th to 10th Century AD
An imposing Tang Dynasty terracotta Lokapala (Heavenly Guardian), dating to the 7th to 10th Century AD, represented standing dynamically upon a recumbent animal-form base. The guardian is portrayed wearing elaborate protective armor with pronounced shoulder elements and a striking high-crested headdress flanked by large wing-like projections. His forceful stance, raised arms and richly modeled costume convey the martial authority traditionally associated with these supernatural protectors. Lokapala figures were produced as mingqi, funerary objects placed within elite tombs to guard the deceased and repel malevolent forces in the afterlife. The surface preserves extensive burial accretions together with traces of original pigmentation, particularly reddish, greenish and pale tones, providing evidence of the figure’s formerly polychrome appearance. The crown has undergone an old repair, consistent with the preservation history of the piece.
Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: 51.2 cm high
Weight: 3.45 kg
Provenance: Acquired in the United Kingdom. From a Hong Kong private collection assembled before 1980.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years. A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired under European Law.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
7th to 10th Century AD
Name of object
Lokapala figure
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Denmark
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
51.2 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Denmark
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
