POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Pair of 'Lokapala' (tomb guardians) ceremonial figures

Object No. 154A

Lokapala were warrior guardians, traditionally found in pairs as part of four Buddhist figures who presided over the four cardinal directions. Sculptures of these figures made of wood and stone can be found in Buddhist temples. In Tang dynasty tombs they were often found near the entrance, protecting the deceased from evil spirits. They have fierce mask-like expressions and wear elaborate armour made up of breastplates connected with straps and a cloth skirt covered with plate mail. They are often depicted trampling demons or animals atop a rocky base. The distinctive green, brown, and white decoration is known as ‘sancai’ or ‘three colour’, a glaze technique introduced in around 700 CE and popular in this period. Artists would first apply a white base coat which would make the additional colours brighter. The colours were created using oxides including copper for green and iron for the shades of brown. Heads, hands, and headdresses were often left unglazed and could be painted to achieve a different visual effect to the rest of the sculpture. A study using neutron tomography and X-ray tomography at ANSTO completed in 2021 revealed that the clay was applied in layers during production and that the heads are made of two separate pieces for the front and back. The objects have been repaired in several sections. Alina Kozlovski, Assistant Curator, November 2021