Chinese Ceramic Glazed Guardian Ming Dynasty

Details

Description

A stoneware figure depicting a seated armored warrior with a striking pose circa 15th-17th century. He is likely one of … Read more A stoneware figure depicting a seated armored warrior with a striking pose circa 15th-17th century. He is likely one of the four heavenly kings, the protective guardians widely worshiped in China. This figure was heavily molded by hand and the surface was carved and decorated with green and yellow dripping glaze. The warrior's face features large bulging eyes, a third eye in between, puffed cheeks and two prominent bushy eyebrows, these slightly None-Chinese traits may be from the Classic Buddhism sculptures influenced from India, which give him a more severe look. In Ming dynasty (14th-17th century), this type of stoneware figures was widely used in daily life such as on the altar, as well as funeral items placed in the tomb to protect the deceased in their afterlife. They all have a realistic yet slightly rustic folksy charm to their styling. See less