During the Tang Dynasty, restrictions were
placed on the number of objects that could be
included in tombs, an amount determined by an
individual's social rank. In spite of the
limitations, a striking variety of tomb furnishings
have been excavated. Entire retinues of ceramic
figures--animals, entertainers, musicians,
guardians--were buried with the dead. This
dynamic warrior bares a striking resemblance to
the Buddhist warrior deities known as Lokapalas
that have their origins as protectors of Buddhist
temples but assumed a mortuary role in China.
However, this warrior does not stand in the
traditional stance of the Lokapala, subduing a
demon or triumphing over a recumbent beast.
Although this figure is slightly different, we can
assume his role in the afterlife would have been
the same. This warrior is poised for battle. He
rests his left arm on his waist and holds his other
arm in the air. Originally, he would have likely
brandished a weapon of sort, perhaps a sword,
which was made of a material such as wood that
deteriorated over the centuries. A small amount
of the original polychrome is still visible,
specifically on his red lips and pink face and
hand. According to one Chinese tradition
explaining their origin, Emperor Taizong when ill
was threatened by ghosts outside of his room
screeching and throwing bricks and tiles. When
his general Jin Shubao (Chin Shu-pao) and a
fellow officer came to stand guard the activity of
the ghosts ceased. The grateful emperor had
portraits of the two men hung on either side of
his palace gates, and thereafter their images
became widespread as door-gods. Although he
was intended to protect the tomb and ward off
any infiltrators, be they tomb robbers or
malevolent spirits, this warrior does not repel us;
instead, his compelling history and stunning
aesthetic beauty attracts us to him.
- (H.1009)
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