RARE, 15th C. Chinese Tibetan Ming Dynasty gilt bronze Buddha deity figure of seated Guan Gong, a Chinese general of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280 AD). The fine casted Buddha figure of the general GuanGong, modelled In the appearance of a warrior god, he has a round full face with eyebrows, moustache and a beard with large round eyes, seated on a throne with a draped elongated robes, with finely, the hair covered with a scholar's headscarf tied at the top with a ribbon, the face with a serene expression, with right hand and left raised to shoulder height, touching the elongated beard, together in the Anjali mudra which is performed by pressing the palms of the hands together. The figure characterized with fine hair and beard. Extensive trace of lacquer over the gilt. Measurements: Height: 15 1/8" Width: 8 1/4" LOT NOTES:Guangong figure have been adopted by Mahayana temples as Dharma protectors. As a warriors vow to look after the teachings and protect those who practice them. The first is Guan Gong /Guan Yu. He is a folk hero and very much part of traditional Chinese Taoism and Shenism. This red or gold faced and bearded figure can be seen at the entrance of the main hall of many temples in China. He carries a halberd and has a stern expression. His usage is a classic example of non-Buddhist entities being brought into the pantheon. In general worship, Guan Yu is widely referred to as "Emperor Guan", short for his Taoist title "Saintly Emperor Guan", and as "Guan Gong"; (literally: "Lord Guan"). Temples and shrines dedicated exclusively to Guan can be found in parts of mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and other places with Chinese influence such as Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan. In Chinese Buddhism, Guan Yu is revered by most practicing Buddhists a heavenly protector of the Buddhist dharma. Over time and as an act of syncretism, Guan Yu was seen as the representative guardian of the temple and the garden in which it stands. His statue traditionally is situated in the far left of the main altar, opposite his counterpart Skanda. According to Buddhist legends, in 592, Guan Yu manifested himself one night before the Zen master Zhiyi, the founder of the Tiantai school of Buddhism, along with a retinue of spiritual beings. Zhiyi was then in deep meditation on Yuquan Hill when he was distracted by Guan Yu's presence. Guan Yu then requested the master to teach him about the dharma. After receiving Buddhist teachings from the master, Guan Yu took refuge in the triple gems and also requested the Five Precepts. Henceforth, it is said that Guan Yu made a vow to become a guardian of temples and the dharma. Legends also claim that Guan Yu assisted Zhiyi in the construction of the Yuquan Temple, which still stands today. For High Resolution Images, please use this link: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nistxgdbviiy9am/AABXVKFL_ENax6zAu6onsaLga?dl=0