Glaive and Coiled Cord

Viewing notes

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

This polychrome standing warrior in gold armour carries a long glaive and a coiled cord. A golden crown topped with a red flame sits above a crimson face with glaring eyes, and his grey-black beard surges out to the left in billows level with his shoulders. His armour-robe is pale turquoise, its surface dense with gilt scrolling vines and clouds; the shoulder guards rise in gold, a golden beast-face flame bursts open at the belly, and beads and layered plates hang at the waist. The robe's hem is lifted by the wind to show an orange lining, fold upon fold like waves. His right hand holds the glaive slanting down to the left, its blade engraved with coiling patterns; his left hand grips a loop of orange-red cord tightly at his side, and a spear leans out behind his shoulder. In patterned boots he stands on a craggy base where orange, yellow and teal rocks overlap, with small fungi tucked into the crevices. Splendour and menace together — a piece for the facing position in a hall or shop, and for collectors of warrior figures.