China - Persian Guard - Tang Dynasty - Tl

Guard in a static standing position, the right arm bent to originally hold a spear. He is dressed in the traditional clothes of the Persian military originally. A tunic belted at the waist falling over trousers falling over the shoes. A cape covers his shoulders. His head is covered by a traditional headdress under which a chainmail veil protects his neck and ears. Good general condition and remains of polychromy. A thermoluminescence test accompanies the object thus certifying its dating. The Persian guard, also known as the "elephant guard" or "foreign guard", was a military unit that served under the Tang dynasty in China, which reigned from 618 to 907. This unit was composed of soldiers of foreign origin, notably Persians, and played an important role in the protection of the emperor and the court. The Tang were known for their openness to the world and their ability to integrate diverse cultural and military influences. The presence of the Persian guard testifies to the exchanges between China and the regions of the Sassanid Empire, as well as other cultures of the Silk Road. These soldiers were often admired for their discipline and bravery. Period: Tang Dynasty (618-907) Dimensions: Height: 35 cm; width: 11.5 cm. Provenance: Former Belgian private collection. Condition: Good general condition despite a restoration due to the vagaries of time.