Gold and red lacquered bronze sculpture representing Wei Tuo Pusa, China, Ming period, 17th centuryHere depicted standing on a base of stylized clouds from which a dragon emerges, his hands resting on the hilt of a sword whose point enters the animal's mouth. He wears a headdress and a general's armour decorated with a dragon's head. Known as Skanda, he is the protector of Buddhist teachings and the head of the twenty-four celestial guardians mentioned in the Golden Light Sutra. Height: 57 cmWear in the lacquer and missing a horn to the dragon .