A gilt-lacquered bronze figure of weituo


Ming DynastyThe guardian of Buddhist teachings standing astride and dressed as a warrior in finely cast armour over flowing robes, the palms pressed together in reverent anjalimudra, the face with a gentle expression beneath an elaborate helmet. 41cm (1/8in) high.
|明 銅漆金韋馱立像Weituo (Sankrit name Skanda) is a devoted dharmapala, guardian of Buddhist monasteries who guards the Buddhist teachings. Large figures of this type, dressed as a Chinese warrior in the elaborate armour worn by military heroes, are usually placed in the first hall of a Buddhist monastery.Compare with a related gilt-bronze statue of Weituo, Ming dynasty, which was sold at Sotheby's New York, 17 September 2016, lot 1137.