Tang Dynasty, 618-906 AD. A pair of fearsome Lokapala figures, the guardian kings, in full polychrome military armour, fierce expression with painted moustache and full eyebrows, arms raised with clenched hands, possibly to accept weapons, standing on an irregular base; hollow-formed in terracotta. 11.3 kg total, 51cm height each (boxes: 57 x 24 x 16cm) (20"). Property of a North London gentleman; acquired on the UK art market before 2000; accompanied by original thermoluminescence test certificate no.C119d2 issued by Oxford Authentication Ltd. for one of the figures. The Lokapala figures served as tomb guardians in aristocratic Tang burials. They were usually in pairs to repel attacks by spirits and humans. [2]Fine condition.