Barakat Gallery
Skip to main content
  • Menu
  • Home
  • Artworks
  • Exhibitions
  • About
  • Contact
Menu
  • Menu

The Barakat Collection

Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: T'ang Gilt Bronze Sculpture of a Lokapala, 618 CE - 906 CE

T'ang Gilt Bronze Sculpture of a Lokapala, 618 CE - 906 CE

Gilt Bronze
3.125
H.674
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3ET%27ang%20Gilt%20Bronze%20Sculpture%20of%20a%20Lokapala%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E618%20CE%20%20-%20%20906%20CE%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3EGilt%20Bronze%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3E3.125%3C/div%3E
Lokapala, referred to in Chinese as 'Heavenly Kings', were guardians of the universe and protectors of Buddhist law. Usually dressed in military attire and with fierce expressions they are portrayed...
Read more
Lokapala, referred to in Chinese as "Heavenly Kings", were guardians of the universe and protectors of Buddhist law. Usually dressed in military attire and with fierce expressions they are portrayed as formidable figures capable of keeping the demons at bay. They became particularly popular during the Tang period when large numbers were made in pottery to serve as tomb guardians. This luxurious, diminutive sculpture was most likely a personal relic that would have originally stood watch over a household shrine or might have accompanied an important T’ang dignitary during his travels. The Lokapala is represented in a traditional T’ang manner, standing atop a subdued demon with one arm bent upwards toward his head. This work is composed of two pieces, the upper portion of the Lokapala, and a base into which it attaches. The base appears to depict a recumbent quadruped, perhaps a mythological creature. The unusual features of this animal suggest that it may be an oxen, or perhaps a lion. Clearly, this creature reinforces the power of the Lokapala, who stand proudly over the conquered demon as well as this great beast. This splendid treasure was clearly too sumptuous to have been anything but the private possession of an important, and wealthy, member of the T’ang hierarchy. Yet despite his wealth and status, the original owner of this sculpture still sought the protection of the Lokapala. While today we consider this sculpture a gorgeous work of art, prized for its cultural and historical values, perhaps this Lokapala will continue to protect us from the evil forces that haunt the world.
Close full details
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
3505 
of  28197

London

48 Albemarle Street,

London, W1S 4JW

info@barakatgallery.eu 

 

       


 

CONTACT | TEAM | PRESS 

 

Seoul
58-4, Samcheong-ro,
Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82 02 730 1949
barakat@barakat.kr
             

 

Los Angeles

941 N La Cienega Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90069
+1 310 859 8408

contact@barakatgallery.com

  


 

 

Facebook, opens in a new tab.
Instagram, opens in a new tab.
Send an email
View on Google Maps
Manage cookies
Copyright © 2025 Barakat Gallery
Site by Artlogic


Manage cookies
Accept

Cookie preferences

Check the boxes for the cookie categories you allow our site to use

Cookie options
Required for the website to function and cannot be disabled.
Improve your experience on the website by storing choices you make about how it should function.
Allow us to collect anonymous usage data in order to improve the experience on our website.
Allow us to identify our visitors so that we can offer personalised, targeted marketing.
Save preferences
Close

Join our mailing list

Sign Up

* denotes required fields