Details
- Object type
figure
- Place Associated
China (place of manufacture)
- Date
Tang Dynasty, 618-907
- Materials
earthenware with splashes of green, brown and yellow lead glazes
- Dimensions
overall: 916 mm x 450 mm x 202 mm 11628 g
- Description
-
Large figures like these were popular funerary objects during the Tang dynasty. They were meant to exorcise evil spirits for the deceased. Wearing a crested helmet, magnificent armour and tight, high boots, the figure has one hand raised high and the other on his hip. With his bushy eyebrows and bulging eyes enhancing the fierce expression on his face, the guardian king tramples a demon underfoot. Lokapalas, the Guardian Kings, were originally Indian Deities that came to China with Buddhism. Some of their features are emphasized to make them appear more impressive.
- Credit Line/Donor
Gifted by Sir William and Lady Burrell to the City of Glasgow, 1944
- Collection
Burrell Collection: Chinese Pottery [Stoneware, Porcelain]
- ID Number
38.183
- Location
Burrell Collection