16th Century. Ming Dynasty gilt bronze seated Buddha Guangong. The fine casted Buddha figure of the general Guangong, modelled seated on a throne with a draped elongated robes, with finely defined ornate armor and brocade robes, with hands in "no fear" (Abhaya) mudra. The hair covered with a scholar's headscarf tied at the top with a ribbon, the face with a serene expression, with right hand raised to shoulder height, touching the elongated beard, while the left hand resting on the lap. The figure characterized with fine hair and beard. 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. Some of these temples, such as the Emperor Guan Temple in Xiezhou, Shanxi, were built exactly in the layout of a palace, befitting his status as an "emperor". In Chinese Buddhism, Guan Yu is revered by most practicing Buddhists a heavenly protector of the Buddhist dharma. Sangharama in Sanskrit means 'community garden' (sangha, community + arama, garden) and thus 'monastery'. The term Sangharama also refer to the dharmapala class of devas and spirits assigned to guard the Buddhist monastery, the dharma, and the faith itself. 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. Two figures have been adopted by Mahayana temples as Dharma Protectors. The two warriors vow to look after the teachings and protect those who practice them. The first is Guan Di /Guan Yu, a Chinese general of the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280 AD). 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. 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.22cm HeightCondition report: very good conditionProvenance: Private collection from Salisbury, purchased in Hongkong 1960s