A COLD PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A LOKAPALA

Description:

China, Tang dynasty
H. 49 cm
Standing on on a recumbent ox with his right foot on its head and the left foot on its rump, his hands clenched in front of his belly, his face with a fierce expression beneath his tall helmet, clad in elaborate armor including a breastplate with floral designs and epaulettes surmounted by flames, residue of red and black pigments.
From a European private collection, acquired at L.H.W. Hong Kong, 29 September 1999 - Fitted perspex base - Minor rest.
Cf. a very similar lokapala depicted in almost identical posture, sold by Bonhams London, 11 May 2011, lot 77; a comparable pair of lokapala was sold by Christie's London, 15 September 2005, lot 365 and 23 March 2006, lot 2268.