This pair of polychrome Lokapala sculptures is an exceptional example of the warrior and guardian images placed in the tombs of high-ranking members of the T’ang Dynasty. As well as being exquisitely modelled, the figures are highly decorated and painted with a range of organic pigments that have survived extremely well.
The most extraordinary aspect of these remarkable statues is their almost perfect preservation. Whereas Lokapala statues are not uncommon in the graves of social notables, the vast majority have suffered considerable taphonomic damage through burial, notably to the fragile organic pigments with which the sculptures were usually painted. These museum- quality specimens are a spectacular exception. Warrior figures are one of the numerous figure types included in the grave offerings of deceased social luminaries throughout this period. Entire retinues of ceramic figures were incorporated into the grave furniture, including animals, entertainers, musicians and guardians. According to one Chinese tradition explaining their origin, the emperor Taizong, when ill, was threatened by ghosts outside his room screeching and throwing bricks and tiles. When General Jin Shubao (Chin Shu-pao) and a fellow officer came to stand guard the activity of the ghosts ceased. The grateful emperor had portraits of the two men hung on either side of his palace gates, and thereafter their images became widespread as door-gods.