Stone Guardians Pair from the collection of Art Alba Gallery

Stone Guardians Pair, Tang Dynasty

Stone

20 x 8 x 8 cm

US$10,000

A rare pair of striking, dark charcoal coloured stone guardian heads. The heavy solid rock heads would have been on warrior bodies, modelled after the large guardians positioned at each side of entrances to temples. Both faces are skillfully carved in aggressive warrior fashion. As is traditional, one figure is tight-lipped whilst the other's mouth is open. The talking head was usually placed to the right of the temple door. Despite their fierce expressions, these guardians were beloved by the local people for protecting their gods and themselves from evil spirits. As such, smaller versions were commissioned to defend the home in this life and the soul in the afterlife.

Most guardians were painted or glazed pottery so solid stone heads are rare and matching pairs are rarer still. They were probably seperated from their bodies during excavation.

Tang Dynasty (618-907)

Approx.5" tall, each weighing c1.7kg, and on marble stands.

Provenance: ex-The White Collection, Hong Kong