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24 février 2019

A large pair of bronze dvarapala gate guardians, Ming dynasty

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Lot 264. A large pair of  bronze dvarapala gate guardians, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 34 in., 86.4 cm. Estimate 30,000 — 50,000 USD. Lot sold 617,000 USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

crisply cast and powerfully sculpted, each figure bearing a fierce expression, arms raised with hands gripped, impressively clad in interlocked armor trailing flowing sashes, standing firmly with legs slightly apart, the feet cast with pegs for insertion, with wood stands (4)

ProvenanceCollection of Gordon Rollins (1925-1991) and thence by descent

NoteBased on Hindu guardians, dvarapala are often portrayed as fearsome armed warriors. Adopted by Buddhism, some Buddhist scriptures identify the guardians as Guhyapada and Narayana. Depictions of them can be seen throughout the Dunhuang caves, where they are often dressed in Sui and Tang style armor. The present lot also gives no trace of their Indian origins, being dressed in typical Ming style armor.  In the Ming dynasty novel Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods), their names are given as Zheng Lun and Chen Qi. In the novel, both Zheng and Chen were able to expel vapors from their bodies to subdue the enemy, Zheng from his nose, Chen from his mouth, making the sounds heng and ha respectively.  So popular was the novel, that the guardians are popularly known as Generals Heng and Ha. 

For similar Ming dynasty bronze guardian figures, see a smaller pair sold in these rooms, 4th November 1978, lot 155, and again on 25th February 1983, lot 146; and a single larger figure, sold 1st June 1994, lot 469.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York, 18 March 2014

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