Lokapala; China, Tang dynasty, 618-907.

Lokapala; China, Tang dynasty, 618-907.
Partially polychrome pottery.
Attached thermoluminescence.
Presents restorations.
Measurements: 67 x 40 x 14 cm.
Image of lokapala made in ceramic that still conserves part of the original polychromy. The lokapala, translated "guardian of the place", are gods that govern the cardinal points in Hinduism and Buddhism vasraiana (Jingangcheng in China). As guardians, they can call the spirits of the other world to their aid, and therefore are usually placed in pairs at the entrance of the tombs. In the Hindu tradition, they are also frequently represented in temples.
The Tang dynasty is considered by historians as a moment of splendor of the Chinese civilization, equal or even superior to the Han period. Emerging after a period of despotism under the reign of the cruel Yang Di, it was established by Li Shimin who, moved by filial piety, put his father on the throne before assuming the role of emperor himself and founding the Tang dynasty. Stimulated by contact with India and the Middle East via the Silk Road, the Tang empire experienced a creative boom in numerous fields. Buddhism, which had emerged in India at the time of Confucius, continued to flourish during this period and was adopted by the imperial family, becoming an essential part of traditional Chinese culture. Likewise, the development of the printing press extended the dissemination of written works, giving rise to the golden age of Chinese art and literature. The great cultural opening will result in a fundamentally colorful, expressive and very eclectic art, although it continues to be mainly for funerary use, where the artist remains an anonymous craftsman.