A SUPERB PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF A LOKAPALA TANG DYNASTY

the formidable guardian king standing on a recumbent spotted deer with fists clenched in a menacing stance, dressed in full military attire, the powerful shoulders enhanced by makara epaulets, the armored breast plate bound with cords and sashes, the fringed apron tunic worn over a long skirt billowing out at the sides over tooled leather boots, the head vigorously modeled with bulbous eyes protruding from beneath furrowed brows, flared nostrils, thick lips and jutting jaw with finely penciled beard, and framed by a tall phoenix helmet, all elaborately painted with floral motifs in a rich palette of turquoise, lime-green, coral-red and black

Acquired in Hong Kong, early 1980s.

The statue was inspected under UV light and showed fluorescence on the tips of both of his billowing sleeves, horns on the shoulders, and the circular disk emanating from his right shoulder. There was also fluorescence on the left knob atop his head, and at the bird's head and wings (where they join the body). The 1 inch end on the back of his armor has been restuck. The legs have been repainted white, and it's likely that other aspects of the sculpture were repainted. The colors are consistent with the catalogue illustration.
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.

Compare a lokapala or tianwang (Heavenly Kings) from the Dunhuang caves in Gansu province, wearing layered armor embellished with floral decoration and a tight-fitting helmet with flaps illustrated in Annette Juliano and Judith Lerner, Monks and Merchants, Silk Treasures from Northwest China, New York, 2001, pl. 78; two figures, one of a military official and the other of a civil official, from the tomb of Zhang Shigui in Liquan county, now in the Zhaoling Museum, with related brilliant painted decoration, as well as very finely penciled details on the face, published in The Cream of Xianyang Relics, Beijing, 2002, pl. 98 and 99. See also a magnificent pair of painted lokapala figures sold in these rooms, 22nd / 23rd September 2004, lot 152; and another related pair sold at Christie's New York, 20th March 1997, lot 52.

The dating of this lot is consistent with the result of a thermoluminescence test, Oxford Authentication Ltd., C101a15.