Dvarapala

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"This fierce-looking creature is a kind of Buddhist guardian figure called a dvarapala. Dvarapala were traditionally placed outside Buddhist temples to protect the holy spaces within. Depending on the size and wealth of the temple, the guardians could be placed singly, in pairs or in larger groups. The sculpture is made of a high-fired stoneware clay covered with a pale, almost milky celadon glaze. Ceramic sculptures of this type were produced in Thailand, during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, between the 14th and 16th centuries, at several kiln complexes located in northern Thailand." (Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Gainesville, Florida)

A dvarapala is a door or gate guardian statue (either human or demonic) in Buddhism. They were traditionally placed outside Buddhist temples and other structures to protect the holy places inside.

Smaller structures may have had only one dvarapala. Often there was a pair placed on either side of the threshold to the shrine. Some larger sites may have had four (lokapālas, guardians of the four cardinal directions), eight, or 12.