A guardian figure of the sort seen at the entrances of temples, or within the perimeter, protecting the faith from hostile spirits or unknown malevolent energies. Four guardians protect the four directions, and are stationed at their respective posts. The Lokapala is attired in Han style regalia, with breastplate armor embellished with lion heads. His ferocious expression may identify him as Mo-Li Ch’ing, the Guardian of the East, who has “a magic sword, Blue Cloud, on the blade of which are engraved the characters Earth ,Water, Fire and Wind. When brandished it causes a black wind that produces tens of thousands of spears which pierce the bodies of men and turn them to dust.”