Lot 2048. A small gilt-bronze guardian figure, Sui-Early Tang dynasty, 6th-7th century; 3 5/8 in. (9.3 cm.) diam. Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Price Realized USD 18,750. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014. 

The guardian is shown standing triumphantly on the shoulders of a seated demon as he brandishes a spear in his raised left hand, and rests his right hand on his hip. He wears a sash-tied tunic that is partially tucked in leaving his chest and right arm bare, and a helmet with fluttering ribbons. A small pierced attachment tab projects from the base. There is extensive gilding remaining, Japanese wood box, wood stand.

Exhibited: Izumi City Kuboso Memorial Museum, Gilt Bronze Buddha in Sui-Tang Dynasty, 3 October - 28 November 1993.

Note: Compare the small gilt-bronze figure of a guardian, standing in a similar position on the shoulders of a crouching demon, which is dated to the Tang dynasty, and wears more ornate armor, illustrated by S. Matsubara in Chuugoku Bukkyo Chokokushi Ron, vol. 3, Tang, Five Dynasties, Song and Daoism Sculpture, Tokyo, 1995, pl. 669(a). See, also, the related figure, dated to the Tang dynasty, illustrated in Fojiao Diaosu Mingpin Tulu, Beijing, 1997, p. 552, no. 529.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 20 - 21 March 2014