JAPAN, 18th-19th century. - Lot 33

JAPAN, 18th-19th century. Fragment of a statue representing a standing male figure, wearing a long belted tunic, in a swaying posture. One hand rests authoritatively on the hip, the other raised in a dynamic gesture. The face, expressive and concentrated, is topped by an animal headdress featuring a stylized tiger or lion head, whose open mouth frames the top of the skull and whose fangs descend towards the forehead. The headdress is held in place by a sculpted chinstrap, tied around the chest. Wood with brown patina, remnants of red and gold polychromy. Height : 39 Width : 21 cm Note : This sculpture, although fragmentary (both legs and a forearm are missing), bears witness to the careful expressive work and theatricality characteristic of guardian or protective warrior figures in Japanese traditions (Komainu or Shitennō). The haughty bearing, zoomorphic headdress and dynamic drapery reinforce its probable role as a protective figure placed at the entrance to a temple or secondary altar.