This fierce looking figure is a Heavenly King who stood guard at the doors of a Buddhist Chinese temple; it was made about 500 years ago. He is made of moulded bronze covered with a thin layer of gold.

In fact this is one of a set of four Guardians of the Four Quarters: each relating to a compass point and carrying a different item. This statue is the God of the South (called Viudhaka). He wears chain mail, carries a sword and stands aggressively on a base cast to resemble a rock. Closer examination reveals that his sword is now missing and has been replaced by a wooden replica. The Guardian of the East held a four-stringed lute, the Guardian of the North usually carried an umbrella and the Guardian of the West had snake or a pearl.

This object dates from the time of the Ming Dynasty in China. The style of the figure's armour and head dress show how, at this time, China was not isolated, but was being influenced by Japan and the rest of the East.