Lot 063 A RARE AND MAGNIFICENT PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A GUARDIAN (LOKAPALA) TANG DYNASTY (618–907) 唐代 彩绘陶武士俑

Description

A RARE AND MAGNIFICENT PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A GUARDIAN (LOKAPALA)
TANG DYNASTY (618–907)
唐代 彩绘陶武士俑
ESTIMATE: $3,000 – $5000
Description
This imposing and finely modeled pottery figure represents a Guardian (Lokapala) or armored warrior, an essential component of Tang Dynasty funerary art designed to protect the deceased in the afterlife. Standing at a substantial 55 cm in height, the warrior is depicted in a commanding posture with his arms raised, likely originally holding a wooden or metal polearm (now lost).
He is clad in elaborate military armor, including a breastplate secured by cords over a tunic, and a high-crested helmet that frames his fierce, protective facial expression. The figure’s face is naturalistically rendered with bulging eyes and a focused gaze, intended to ward off malevolent spirits. Extensive traces of the original polychrome pigments remain, including vibrant cinnabar red and white slip, highlighting the decorative details of the armor and the long, flared skirt. The hollow-cast interior and the presence of loess soil encrustation are characteristic of authentic Tang pottery mingqi (funerary wares).
Dimensions
• Height: 55 cm (21.7 in)
CONDITION REPORT
The figure is in overall very good and stable condition for its size and antiquity. The pottery body is robust, with expected surface wear, minor pitting, and localized mineral encrustations consistent with long-term burial. The original pigments are remarkably well-preserved in protected areas. As is common for Tang pottery figures of this scale, there are clean, professional structural reinforcements to the neck and ankles, which are stable. The base shows typical wear and traces of burial soil.
Provenance
• From a Private Canadian Collection
唐代 彩绘陶武士俑
描述
此件武士俑体量宏大，塑造精美，是盛唐时期典型的高级随葬“冥器”。武士俑高约55厘米，呈威严的伫立姿态，双手握拳平举，推测原先持有木制或金属质的长柄兵器（现已佚失）。
武士头戴高冠兜鍪，身披重甲，甲片细节清晰可见，腰间束带。其面部刻画极其传神，双目圆睁，神态刚毅凶猛，旨在护卫墓主人并驱赶邪灵。器身保留了大量的原辅彩绘痕迹，包括朱砂红彩与白色陶衣，勾勒出铠甲的纹路与长裙的线条。俑身内部中空，表面可见自然的土蚀痕迹与矿物质沉积，具有典型的唐代陶俑工艺特征。
技术规格
• 高度： 约 55 厘米
品相报告
整器品相良好，结构稳固。陶体坚致，见有与年代相符的自然磨损、土蚀坑及局部受沁痕迹。彩绘色泽在局部区域保存较为完好，十分难得。此类大规格陶俑在颈部及足踝处常见有早期的专业加固修复，目前状态稳定。底部见有自然风化及传世土锈。
来源
• 来自加拿大私人珍藏