Antigua talla China "Weituo". S.XIX - Wood - China - Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

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Weituo (Wei Tuo) Sculpture, Buddhist Guardian Protector
Origin: China
Period: Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Material: Carved wood, polychromed and gilded
Iconography: Weituo, protector of the Dharma
Measurements: 64 × 26 × 16 cm
Technique: Wood carving with polychrome and gilded decoration
Conservation status: Good overall condition for its age, with wear, occasional losses of polychromy and gilding, small cracks and signs of the passage of time, a small piece missing from the crown.

Important Chinese sculpture in carved, polychromed and gilded wood representing Weituo (Wei Tuo), one of the major protective divinities of Chinese Buddhism and guardian of the Dharma.
The figure is depicted as a celestial warrior, dressed in an elaborately ceremonial armor richly carved and gilded. Notable are especially the headdress, the large flowing ribbons surrounding the head and body, and the ornate richness of the cuirass and arm and leg protections.
Weituo stands on a cloud base from which a dragon emerges, an element that reinforces the celestial and protective character of the representation. It preserves an attractive polychromy in blues and reds combined with abundant gold.
The carving shows an interesting artisanal execution, particularly visible on the reverse, where tool marks and the traditional construction of the sculpture can be seen.
With its height of 64 cm, iconographic richness, and strong decorative presence, it constitutes a distinguished example of Qing-era Chinese Buddhist religious sculpture.