Tang Dynasty, 618-907 AD. A tall ceramic figure formed as a victorious guardian standing on a mound; the guard's arms and fists indicate a weapon-carrying stance, wearing a helmet and armour plating which terminates with dragon-heads at the shoulders; crimson, orange, black, green, and blue painted pigmentation survives. See Prodan, M., The Art of The Tang Potter, Thames & Hudson, 1960, fig.40, for a comparable example and discussion.12.7 kg, 89cm (35"). Ex Abelita family collection, 1970s-2000s; accompanied by a positive thermoluminescence report no.39CM110520 issued by Laboratory Kotalla. Finely modelled.