Page 18 - Chinese Works of Art Chritie's Mar. 22-23 2018

PROPERTY FROM THE HALL IN MEMORY OF CYPRESS (JIBO TANG)
705
AN EXCEPTIONAL PAIR OF MASSIVE SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY GUARDIAN FIGURES
TANG DYNASTY (AD 618-907)
Each guardian fgure is modeled standing on a recumbent ox, with the right arm raised as if to hold a spear
and the left hand resting on the hip. His face is modeled with a ferce expression, and each is dressed in full
armor, fnely detailed with stamped decoration including forets on the breast plate, and with horned mask
epaulettes at each shoulder, and is attractively glazed in tones of amber, green and cream.
40Ω and 38 in. (103 and 96.5 cm.) high
(2)
$150,000-250,000

PROVENANCE
Acquired in Hong Kong, 1999.
These imposing fgures are remarkable for their fne modeling, detailing and masterful application of
the glazes. As with other fgures of this type, they are modeled with ferce scowling expressions and a
threatening stance meant to deter those who might disturb the deceased, and they carry on the tradition
of the massive stone guardian fgures (lishi) that were positioned at the entrances to cave-shrines during
the Tang dynasty. The glazed pottery fgures of the mid-8th century had now evolved into military
guardians and were dressed in elaborate armor. Also typical of some of these large guardian fgures that
have survived in pairs, one of the present fgures has his hair dressed in a topknot while the other wears
a leather helmet. For another imposing fgure of this type, also shown standing on a recumbent bull, see
the example illustrated in The Tsui Museum of Art - Chinese Ceramics I: Neolithic to Liao, Hong Kong,
1993, pl. 119.
The result of Oxford thermoluminescence test no. PH 993/404 is consistent with the dating of this lot.
唐 三彩天王像一對

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