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

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