Tang Dynasty, 618-906 AD. A ceramic figure formed as a bestial tomb guardian seated on an integral rectangular base; the animal has small ears and eyes, a large open mouth baring teeth and tongue, erect mane running along back and short tail; surviving red and black painted pigment survives. 1.5 kg, 25cm (10"). From the deceased estate of an important Japanese art collector; the collection formed 1960-2010. Finely modelled.