Painted Grey Earthenware Guardians

Late Northern Wei - Northern Qi period, mid 6th century 

Placed in complementary pairs near the entrance of a tomb, these large and imposing guardian figures were intended to provide protection from evil spirits and intruders. They wear impregnable suits of ‘cord-and-plaque’ armour, nape and shoulder guards, boots and helmets with prominent spikes. In each raised fist, there probably would once have been a wooden staff or weapon.