Bidspirit auction | CHINESE TERRACOTTA PANEL DEPICTING A

CHINESE TERRACOTTA PANEL DEPICTING A WARRIOR - Song Dynasty, Ca. AD 960 - 1279 > A rectangular terracotta panel modelled in relief with a crouching guardian, his powerful body characterised by broad shoulders, a rounded abdomen and bent limbs. The head is turned slightly to one side, with prominent eyes, heavy brows and parted lips beneath gathered hair. The figure wears a necklace, arm ornaments and a belted lower garment detailed with incised folds. Traces of pigment survive across the surface.In Chinese art, fierce guardian figures served a protective purpose, warding off harmful influences. The imposing physique and animated expression of this figure convey the strength associated with this role. >>Size: 405mm x 260mm; Weight: 10.03kg > Provenance: Private London Collection; Ex. Private West Country UK Collection, acquired in the 2000s. >>