Title
A miniature guardian deity
Year/Period
10th or 11th century
Region
Northwest China
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 9.7 x 4.6 x 2 cm
Accession No.
2014-00584
Collection of
This figurine, with bulging eyes and a beastly countenance, is likely a depiction of a guardian deity of Buddhism. He wields a heavy club in his left hand and holds his right in gesture of warding off evil. His diademed topknot gives him a regal appearance, and he might be identified as one of the Heavenly Kings of the four directions.Made from a single-piece mold, the figure shows traces of white gesso and burial earth. Such figures were carried as talismans for protection by pilgrims and travellers from Central Asia.
