Song Dynasty, 960-1279 AD. A rectangular ceramic tile with high relief figure of one of the Nio guardian deities, hair pulled up into a top knot, grimacing face with bulging eyes; muscular body with band of beads below the chest; armlets and bracelets and loin cloth with long tassel to the front; legs bent at the knees; red pigment to beads, armlets, bracelets and loin cloth. 10.04 kg, 40.5cm (16"). UK art market, acquired prior to 2000. Fine condition.