This terracotta guardian is wearing a elaborate open wings bird shaped helmet, a suit of armor with protective armors and high boots. With his right hand raised in a clenching fist, standing above a bull pedestal, the Dharmapala has large bulging eyes and fierce expressions. The figure is a brilliant examples of Dharmapalas are warrior guardians of Buddhist temples stablished since the Tang dynasty. They were introduced to China in the mid-seventh century by a Cingalese Buddhist monk Pu Kung. Not unlike the guardian Chimera, these figures soon became popular mortuary guardians in the tombs of emperors and imperial officials. They are known as Heavenly Kings (Tien-wang), guardians of the four directions that protect the world from attacks of evil spirits. The statue is attributed to early 20th century.