A PAIR OF GILT-BRONZE GUARDIANS, CHINA, late Ming dynasty, both standing in martial posture on a rectangular pedestal, the largest holding a separate cast halberd in his right hand, the left placed firmly on his hip, the other with both hands in front of the abdomen holding an unidentified attribute, wearing various garments including armour, wide-sleeved tunic, pair of trousers, boots, one with additional sword hanging from his belt, their faces displaying severe expressions, one with beard and the other with goatee - Property from an old North German private collection, assembled in China in the 1920's - Minor wear, slightly chipped