Chinese Tang dynasty buff figure of a tomb guardian

dc.contributor.other	Van Tilburg, J.A
dc.date.accessioned	2016-07-06T12:41:05Z
dc.date.available	2016-07-06T12:41:05Z
dc.date.created	618 AD
dc.date.issued	2010
dc.description	This figure was inspired by lokapalas, the heavenly guardians that were portrayed in Buddhist temples of the time. These tomb guardian figures originated in the Civaitic worship of India and spread to Tibet, Turkestan, China and Japan. Variations of these figures and beasts can be classed under Dharmapāla (protectors of the dead) or as Yama (the God of the Dead). This buff earthenware figure of a human warrior in full armour represents the type of the tomb guardian figures, who stood guard outside the emperor’s tomb in ancient China. The dragon repoussé metal shoulder plates and helmet, skirt of leather with padding and a knitted sweater under the armour are typical of such figures. In his right hand he most likely held a sword (now lost), while his left hand is held in a gesture of restraint. Remains of a light pink paint can still be seen on the figure.	en_ZA
dc.description.sponsorship	Ceramic 101	en_ZA
dc.format.extent	810 mm x 310 mm	en_ZA
dc.format.medium	Painted buff earthenware	en_ZA
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/2263/53851
dc.publisher	Department of the University of Pretoria Art	en_ZA
dc.relation.ispartofseries	UP-Art : paintings, drawings and sculptures	en_ZA
dc.relation.ispartofseries	D701281	en_ZA
dc.rights	Copyright of the electronic version, University of Pretoria.	en_ZA
dc.subject	Buff	en_ZA
dc.subject	Tang tomb	en_ZA
dc.title	Chinese Tang dynasty buff figure of a tomb guardian	en_ZA
dc.type	Image	en_ZA