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: Pair of Tang Dynasty Polychrome Lokapalas, 618 CE - 907 CE

Pair of Tang Dynasty Polychrome Lokapalas, 618 CE - 907 CE

Terracotta
height 102.2 cm
height 40 1/4 in
RP.159
Enquire
%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22title_and_year%22%3E%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_title%22%3EPair%20of%20Tang%20Dynasty%20Polychrome%20Lokapalas%3C/span%3E%2C%20%3Cspan%20class%3D%22title_and_year_year%22%3E618%20CE%20%20-%20%20907%20CE%3C/span%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22medium%22%3ETerracotta%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv%20class%3D%22dimensions%22%3Eheight%20102.2%20cm%3Cbr/%3E%0Aheight%2040%201/4%20in%3C/div%3E
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...
Read more
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.
Close full details
Share
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Tumblr
  • Email
Previous
|
Next
3415 
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