Mortuary Figurine
C401
Location: On Display in the Asia Galleries
From: China | Henan
Curatorial Section: Asian
| Native Name | Mingqi |
| Object Number | C401 |
| Current Location | Asia Galleries - On Display |
| Culture | Chinese | Buddhist |
| Provenience | China | Henan |
| Period | Tang Dynasty |
| Date Made | 8th Century CE |
| Section | Asian |
| Materials | Clay |
| Technique | Fired | Glazed |
| Iconography | Lokapala |
| Description | Grave figurine of a lokapala, guardian king. A lokapala is a warrior, or one of the four Heavenly Kings who guard the four directions of the universe. Based on supernatural beings, lokapala images guarded temples or tombs from those who challenged the faith. The crushed demon underneath the warrior's feet further emphasizes his dominance. Although sometimes depicted solo or in pairs, lokapalas are most often in sets of four. One of a set of three (C401, C402, C403). Glazed. |
| Credit Line | Purchased from C. T. Loo, 1922 |
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