An antique camphor wood Dharmapala, in black and red lacquer and gilded in gold. A vigorous guardian of the Dharma and protector of the faith, and commonly worshipped as the God of Wealth in China. As represented here, the Dharmapala is wearing a Ming style hat of a civil dignitary, and dressed in full militant armor, his right hand is raised in a fist, and holding a gold piece in his left hand, standing in warrior striking pose above a lacquered boulder, where a black tiger is crouching submissively. The figure is well carved with animated expressiveness; close observation reveals finer details featuring three taotie masks on the belt and padded armor, a section of the floating celestial scarves is missing, and most of the lacquered gold gilt on his back has been lost, leaving a bared wood surface with a rich down brown; even so the statue is beautifully aged and remaining in fair condition.