TANG DYNASTY (618-907)

Details

A PAIR OF PAINTED POTTERY GUARDIAN FIGURES, WUSHIYONG
Tang dynasty (618-907)
Each well modelled with fierce, scowling expression framed by the flared helmet brim, wearing well-detailed armor bearing traces of gilding, the right hand clenched to hold a halberd and the left hand extended with fingers spread, with traces of orangy-red, black, white and pale green pigment
33in. (83.8cm.) high (2)

Provenance

J.J. Lally & Co., New York.
Christie's, New York, 16 September 1998, lot 340.

Lot Essay

Compare two similarly attired guardian figures with equally stern expressions excavated from Tang dynasty tombs in Luoyang, Henan province: one from the tomb of Li Yanzhen, buried 709, illustrated in Kaogu, 1984:10, pl. 6:3; the other from the tomb of Li Siben, also buried in 709, illustrated in Kaogu xuebao, 1989:3, pl. 2:2. The latter is especially similar in facial expression, armor and pose, including the position of the hands. Compare, also, the single figure sold in these rooms, 27 November 1991, lot 293.

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