An Extremely Rare Chinese Lacquered Wood Beast GuardianThis dramatic sculpture served as a tomb guardian for what was most probably a royal tomb during the Warring States period in southern China.The sculpture comprises a square base with a central mortise into which the main upright tenon locates. A shaved stag antler is let into each mortise on either side of the head. The wooden substrate is painted with a thin coat of black lacquer, decorated with vermilion and yellowish pigments. The antlers have traces of black lacquer designs. Unusually, a chamber is cut into the front of the base.Similar guardian figures appear to be of two types – those that derive from human forms such as an example in the British Museum or ferocious animal demons as in this example. All are composite figures characterised by the addition of horns and protruding tongues. As to their function, opinion amongst scholars is divided, however it is supposed that the figures suppress evil and act as protectors.Related guardian figures are in the collections of the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath, UK; the British Museum; the Musée Guimet, Paris; and the Portland Art Museum, USA.The guardian figure here has been professionally conserved to preserve and stabilise it. It is in a fine condition, one antler spike is blunted but otherwise is without significant losses or repairs. The holes into which the antlers are inserted have been reinforced to support the weight of the antlers. This is a necessary and not an unusual restoration given the wood shrinkage over the centuries.Rarely do these tomb figures become available. One comprised lot 143 in Christie’s New York June 4, 1992 sale: ‘Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art’. It sold for US$35,000. H:87CM W:48CM