Statue

40-35-1

Location: On Display in the Asia Galleries

From: China | Shanxi | Tianlongshan

Curatorial Section: Asian

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Object Number 40-35-1
Current Location Asia Galleries - On Display
Culture Chinese
Provenience China | Shanxi | Tianlongshan
Period Tang Dynasty
Date Made 700 - 750 CE
Section Asian
Materials Limestone | Gesso | Paint | Gilding
Technique Carved | Gesso | Painted | Gilded
Iconography Virūḍhaka | Zēngcháng Tiān | Sword
Description

Coarse light grey limestone carved statue of Virūḍhaka or Zēngcháng Tiān (Chinese). This lokapala, or celestial guardian king is associated with one of the four directions and wears the traditional leather and quilted uniform of a Tang warrior. He is thought to represent the Guardian of the South. The surface has traces of green, red and black painted and gilded gesso. The low base has holes in the back for an attachment to the floor or wall.

Height 143 cm
Credit Line Exchange with Yamanaka & Company, 1940

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