Figure of a door guardian

Title
Figure of a door guardian
Year/Period
14th-16th century
Region
Sawankhalok, north-central Thailand
Dimension
Gross measurement: H: 71.0,
x W: 27.0,
x D: 20.0cm
Accession No.
2011-01490

This standing figure, with broad facial features, is depicted holding a mace and wears an elaborate costume comprising a bejewelled headpiece, necklace, armbands and bracelets, anklets and a skirtcloth with elaborate pleats. Such figures were often made in parts which were then joined together and glazed with iron-brown painted features on a creamy-white ground. This piece shows influence from the Indian tradition as it was adapted in the Hindu-Buddhist iconographic style of Southeast Asia. They are high fired stonewares that were made to be durable for use within the architecture at the royal capitals Sukhothai and Si Satchanalai in north-central Thailand, the two most important centres for ceramic production during the 14th to 16th centuries.