A LARGE CHINESE POLYCHROME WOOD FIGURE OF WEITUO

17TH CENTURY

The guardian depicted seated upon a semi-circular base clad in armour, his breastplate decorated with a taotie mask, with his right hand raised in karana mudra and his left hand resting on his lap, his detachable helmet decorated with a large plume of feathers and two dragons contesting a flaming jewel between a pair of phoenix, the surface with traces of gilt, black and red pigment, 100.5cm. (2)

Weituo, known in Sanskrit as Skanda, is a bodhisattva and guardian of monasteries who protects Buddhist teachings. He is the leader of the heavenly generals and is positioned in Buddhist temples as the 'Entry Guardian'.