Lot 120. Two sancai-glazed pottery figures of Lokapala, Tang Dynasty (618-906). Height of taller 17 5/8 in., 44.8 cm. Estimate 8,000 — 12,000 USD. Lot sold 8,125 USD. Photo Sotheby's

each standing on a recumbent water buffalo with right arm raised and fist clenched in a threatening attitude, the left hand resting on the hip, brightly splashed in cream, green and brown glazes, wearing an armored tunic with sleeves issuing from animal masks and an armored breast plate tied with cords around the back, the tunic with flared skirt and pantaloons tucked into leggings, one with hair in a high topknot and the other wearing a close-fitting helmet, the unglazed head well-modeled and showing traces of black pigment over white slip, one with painted mustache and short beard, wood stand (3).

Property from the Estate of Dr. and Mrs. Richard Eckhardt.

Provenance: Acquired in Japan between 1947 and 1952 and thence by descent. 

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 11 september 2012