Tang Dynasty, 618-906 AD. A substantial ceramic figure of a guard standing on a crescent base, wearing a domed helmet with spike and lateral flaps, pauldrons, segmented cuirass and skirt; the right hand placed on the hip and left hand extended to grip a spear or pole-arm. 22.1 kg, 95cm (37 1/2"). Property of a North London gentleman; previously in a private collection formed in the 1990s; accompanied by a copy of a positive thermoluminescence report issued by Laboratory Kotalla, no.42CM110520.