Monumental Chinese Carved Hardwood Sculpture of a Guardian King (Lokapala)

A monumental and superbly detailed Chinese hand carved hardwood figure group depicting the powerful Guardian King, Lokapala (known in China as Tianwang). Historically adopted into Chinese Tang Dynasty spiritual traditions, these celestial guardians were fiercely tasked with warding off malevolent forces and safeguarding the deceased.

This exceptionally fine and rare large scale example captures Lokapala in a commanding, dynamic stance. He bears a fierce, wrathful expression to terrify evil spirits, wielding a drawn sword in one hand while clad in incredibly elaborate, high relief ceremonial armour. He stands triumphantly atop crouching demons and defeated spirits, a powerful symbolic representation of order conquering chaos.

Masterfully sculpted from a substantial and dense block of hardwood, this impressive figure group exhibits fantastic depth and movement. It survives in excellent original condition, boasting a rich, deep wood grain and an outstanding historical patination.

• Origin: China

• Period: Late Qing Dynasty / Republic Period, circa 1900

• Iconography: Lokapala / Tianwang (Heavenly King / Guardian Spirit)

• Condition: Good antique condition with no structural damage or losses. The carving remains entirely stable, exhibiting only a few minor, age-related shrinkage splits to the grain in keeping with dense hardwood of this scale.

• Dimensions: Height 72cm × Width 28cm × Depth 27cm

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

You can contact Robert and Wendy by email or telephone to discuss items from their extensive catalogue of attractive pieces and make purchases. Customers can rest assured that the long-established dealership is continuing to run in an exceedingly professional way, selling genuine and high-quality items which are guaranteed to please the most discerning collector, decorator or homeowner.

All items will be personally hand packaged to a high standard. Small items are extensively wrapped using the best materials and are often double boxed. Items are then shipped with DHL or Royal Mail fully insured and often with next day delivery. Larger items would be personally delivered or sent with a specialist antique delivery firm, or for outside the U.K, a professional shipping company.

Please enjoy viewing their collection of rare and interesting pieces and have the assurance that Robert and Wendy will do their utmost to make sure your experience is exceptional, as has been recognised by many customers who have bought with confidence regularly over the years.

Contact details

Email: robertbelcherantiques@gmail.com

Telephone: 01905 622468

Mobile 07929 011224

07720 607007

Website: https://www.robertbelcherantiques.co.uk

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