A large gilt-lacquered wood figure of a guardian deity, Qing Dynasty
Lot 119. A large gilt-lacquered wood figure of a guardian deity, Qing Dynasty. Estimate £5,000 - 6,000. Sold for £60,000 (€70,932). Photo: Bonhams.
The warrior clad in a finely-carved armour over billowing robes, the midriff with a fierce mythical-beast mask girdle, the left hand resting on his hip, the right hand resting on a sword hilt, the face with a stern expression beneath an elaborate helmet, wood stand. 110cm (43 1/4in) high. (4).
Provenance: an Italian private collection
Note: The sword which the figure holds hints that the present lot may be a representation of the guardian deity of the South, Virudhaka (ch: Molihong). The deity of the south is the ruler of the wind and his symbolic weapon is the sword which he carries in his right hand to protect the Dharma and the southern continent.