Ink and colour on silk mounted and framed, depicting most probably Weituo Pusa. The youthful-visaged figure is elaborately illustrated in colourful tones of bright red, green, white and light blue colour, with his hands in anjalimudra, clad in armour and helmet with billowing celestial scarf, sleeves and ribbons. The surface with wears and losses, folds and stains, as visible from the images.134.5 cm high, 65,3 cm wideA LARGE PAINTING ON SILK WITH A BUDDHIST GUARDIAN, CHINA, MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)Provenance: from the private collection of an Italian gentleman and thence by descend, in the property since the 50iesNote: Exhibited at the Mostra di Antichi Ritratti Cinesi held in Milan, 1956, Museo Poldi Pezzoli, Tav. 24. The property has the original catalogue, photocopies available. The Exhibition held in Milan was the third exhibition held in Italy on Chinese art but was the first on Portraits and with all paintings coming from exclusively Italian private collections.Note: Weituo Pusa is one of the thirty-two generals under the four Guardian Kings deemed to protect and maintain the Buddhist dharma. Large figures of Weituo were therefore usually placed in Buddhist temples.