Lot 496. Two sancai-glazed figures of Lokapalas, Tang dynasty (618-907). The larger 43.5cm (16 7/8in) high. Est: £3,000 - £5,000. Sold for £ 3,187 (€ 3,713). © Bonhams

Both well modelled and covered overall with cream, green and amber glaze except for the face and parts of the body, the first guardian shown standing on a recumbent ox, his head turned to the left, and with his left hand placed on his hip and his right hand raised to hold a now-missing weapon, his face with a fierce expression, clad in elaborate armour with divided breast plate over a knee-length tunic; the second guardian shown standing on a rockwork base with right hand raised to hold a weapon and left hand rested on his hip, the face with fierce, scowling expression, clad in tight armour.

Published, Illustrated and Exhibited: Roger Keverne Ltd., Summer Exhibition, London, 2011, no.34.

Note: See a single similar figure, Tang dynasty, illustrated in Exhibition of Chinese Arts, C.T.Loo, New York, 1941, no.472; see also another example illustrated by J.Baker, Appeasing the Spirits: Sui and Tang Dynasty Tomb Sculpture From The Schloss Collection, New York, 1993, nos.71 and 73.

Bonhams. Roger Keverne Ltd Moving On (Part II), London, New Bond Street, 7 Jun 2021