EXTRAORDINARY, Pair of Chinese Tang Dynasty (ca. 618–906 AD) Sancai glazed tomb guardians earth spirits statues, the Lokapala, or zhenmuyong, warrior guardians.
Both Lokapala statues are shown as a fabulous crested semi-human being based on a snarling lion, with bulging eyes, furiously gaping mouth and massive powerful arms and legs. Both have horns and crests like flames or huge cocks combs with elaborate armor, often with added sprigged reliefs. The elaborate contrapposto poses with one foot higher than the other, as it rests on dwarfish conquered demon. One arm held high, while the other is bent and rests on the hip, in a pose combining fierceness and nonchalance upon a square pedestal. All decorated in Sancai glaze of pale-orange, pale-pink, and pale-celadon colors, under-glazed colors.
The figures may have been believed to protect the tomb from intrusions by robbers or spirits.
Measurements: Height: 29 3/4" Width: 13 1/2"