Teal Robe and Guardian

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome group pairs two figures in a single tower-like composition, a guardian in front and a presiding deity behind. The larger figure sits high at the back, hair bound with a golden bead, long black beard falling to his chest, eyes lowered, wearing a teal-green robe woven with gold dragons and shadow florals; behind him rises a pointed golden aureole carved edge to edge with twin dragons, clouds and flames. Before him stands a red-faced armoured guardian in gilded helmet and mail, glaring, black beard bristling, a long halberd in hand and red flames leaping at his back, one foot planted beside a black beast crouched on a cloud base strewn with gold coins. Stillness behind, force in front — a commanding piece for the principal position of a hall, or to give a space a guarded, weighty presence.