This figure is quite uncommon for several reasons. First, unlike the long Tang Dynasty (618 - 907 AD) from which the majority of Chinese tomb figures date, the Northern Qi was a comparatively short dynasty - only 27 years. Thus, figures from this period are exceedingly rare. Second, this guardian sports a "cord and plaque style armor," which differs from the standard "plain plaque armor" of most Northern Dynasty guardians, an important distinction to ancient armor and weaponry historians. And this guardian is remarkably similar (almost a twin) to the guardian from the famed Solomon Collection, published in, “From Court to Caravan: Chinese Tomb Sculptures from the Collection of Anthony Solomon,” figure 20 (see photo). This is a truly rare and special piece for the serious collector.