An exceptionally rare pair of gilt-bronze figures of Virupaksa, Western Guardian and Virudhaka, Southern Guardian
Ming DynastyEach figure finely cast and seated in lalitasana on a double-lotus base, fully armed with chain mail, boots and arm bands, the face with wide open eyes and eyebows in a ferocious expression, flanked by two large earrings and surmounted by an elaborate crown, the hair knotted into high chignon with traces of ultramarine pigment, with a heavenly scarf surrounding the shoulders and billowing to the sides, Virudhaka carrying a sword, Virupaksa holding up a pyramidical stupa in the left hand with a snake winding down the right arm, unsealed base, boxes. Each 25cm (9 7/8in) high. (4).