Rare Qing Chinese Temple Guardian Gilt & lacquer WOOD riding demon through waves

This is an amazing work of art that is believed to date from the Qing period as early as the 18th century.

This may be a representation of a Lokapala – a Budhhist temple guardian as they are usually depicting with a menacing glare to ward off evil.

He is surrounded by celestial ribbons, riding through waves on a beast/demon that has dragon’s head, turtle shell and a fish tail.

At first it appears that one of legs is missing but on closer inspection you can see that his leg is bent backward and his foot is actually resting on the fish tail of the beast.

His right hand is raised in demon expelling shape (karana mudra), left hand holding a scroll.

There is an amazing amount of detail on this piece such as the features of the face of both the Lokapala and the mythological beast that he is riding.

The Temple Guardian is wearing a beautiful tunic with some type of large medallion closing it and below that he is wearing a delightful ‘skirt’ with fish scale style motifs which would have looked amazing when it had its original gold, black and red paint!

The Temple Guardian’s hands and feet are nicely carved out as are his hands where you can see his individual fingers.

We have not been able to find anything similar and this is a very rare museum worthy work of art in amazing condition.

He stands 32cm tall and would make a great centre-piece in any room!

There are remnants of gilding (gilt or gold paint) and red lacquer – this statuette would have looked glorious when it was first made. Please keep in mind that it is around 200 years old so it would be expected to have had some wear & tear.

There is an old repair on the celestial ribbon where it joins his left hip.
There also appears to be an old repair to the celestial ribbon near his head but this is where the ribbon was obviously made in separate sections and joined. There is a tiny nick on the tip of his nose. Surprisingly there is NO damage to the raised fingers which are very susceptible to damage.

The last image (provided for information only) shows a wood carved figure of a similar period BUT the feet are missing, it is attached to a new base and it has never been painted.

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