TWO GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURES OF BUDDHIST GUARDIANS CHINA, QING DYNASTY

both figures dressed in scale-armor with trailing scarves, standing on rock-form bases, the first portraying Skanda with hands in anjalimudra, the youthful round face beneath a plate helmet; the second figure possibly of Virupaksa, with a ferocious countenance crowned by flaming red hair, one hand missing, the other posed to hold an attribute

Dr. Graham of the Roy Chapman Andrews Expedition to China, circa 1920 (by repute).
Dr. Ailie Gale (by repute).
Lillian Perry, Los Angeles (according to label).
Stephen Longstreet, Beverly Hills, California.
Jana Volf.

Both figures have scattered vertical age cracks, wear to the gilt-lacquer, surface wear consistent with age, and are missing the section of scarf over their shoulders. In addition, the figure of Virupaksa (on the right of the catalogue photo) is missing a section of scarf on his right side. There is a loss to the end of his right sleeve, a loss of his right hand, and a loss to the end of the knotted belt around his stomach. There are also chips to the tip of the left sleeve and the tips of his hair. The attribute held in the left hand is missing. The figure of Skanda has a loss to the helmet finial and there is a crack to right wrist.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Skanda, known in Chinese as Weituo is venerated as protector of Buddhist teachings and as such his image stands facing the Main or Grand Hall where the principal deities of the temple are enshrined, and is also printed at the beginning of Buddhist sutras.

Virupaksa is part of a group known as the Four Heavenly Kings, who guard each of the four corners of heaven. Their images are often placed in the entry gate of temples. 

The small size of these figures and their similarity in style, however would indicate that they come from a larger group.

Both Weituo and Virupaksa also form part of a group known as the Twenty-four Devas. There were originally twenty, but in Chinese Buddhism, four were later added. According to Karl Reichelt, a missionary in China from 1903 till his death in 1952, and recorded in Karl Ludvig Reichelt, Religion in Chinese Garments, 2004, p.143, the Twenty-four Devas are arranged twelve on each side in the main Temple hall. This type of arrangement would appear to fit the scale of the present two figures.