 | Antique
Chinese Ming Bronze Statue
Lokapala
Guardian of
Four Direction
Circa: Ming
period, 17th century
H
19.5 in.(49cm), W 7 in.(18cm), D 5 in.(12.5cm)
Hand forged solid bronze in good condition In
Tibetan Buddhism Lokapalas are the protectors of the world. In China and Japan
they are worshipped as the Four Great Heavenly Kings, guardians of the four directions,
who are often seen as protectors of dharma (Dharmapalas) at a temple gate. Of
the four guardians this bronze appears to be Vaisravana, the Guardian of the North,
who holds a stupa and a parasol (replaced). He is seen here wearing a large open-crown
with a seated Shakyamuni Buddha in the center, a symbol of his Sotapana devotion
to the noble eightfold path. The Lokapala is dressed in an ornate suit of armor
with lion-headed shoulder guards, two demon masks flanking a heart mirror, below
his bulging stomach he wears a large taotie mask waistband, with a rolling sash
around his shoulders recoiled down by his feet. Both in front and back, crisp
hand chased motifs distinguish this artfully sculpted guardian. In consistent
of its age are a few minor imperfections, with reddish oxidation shown on the
underside and traces of malachite throughout. The solid bronze weights approximately
twenty pounds. 
Private Collection |
