Stroking His Beard, Blade in Hand

Viewing notes

A viewer's written impression — not a buyer review or first-hand record

This standing warrior in a deep wood tone carries a long-poled blade. His long beard reaches his chest: one hand lightly strokes its tip, while the other holds the great blade hanging at his side, its edge leaning against him, fine lines engraved along the steel. His armour is dense all over — shoulder guards shaped as beast heads, a glaring beast face at the centre of the breastplate, skirt armour hung layer upon layer with bead strings and scales, and sashes knotted into elaborate ornaments at his front. Behind his shoulders two ribbons sweep into great arcs, like wind pinned behind him. His feet tread a base of rolling cloud scrolls; his stance is grounded, his gaze bright and forward. The whole piece is a reddish-brown wood tone, carved at extreme density — detail everywhere you look up close. With this kind of presence, it belongs in an entrance hall, a clubhouse or beside a doorway: it holds the ground, and welcomes the guest.