Pot Metal Figural Sculptures

I am assuming these are pot metal or spelter painted with bronze finish. I am seeing a lot of white flaking and neither sculpture are very heavy. My question is, are these mandarin style warriors or simple just considered 'Asian'? I went down a rabbit hole looking at Tibetan, etc but just not sure.

 

Are they both missing their weapons?

Is the white stuff on the surface ... because it looks a bit like leftover polishing compound of some sort.

What size are they?

 

They look much too detailed & specific for that. I thought of the Xi'an terracotta soldiers, but not a good match.

 

Yes they are both missing implements. They are approximately 16.25" in height. There is a hole in one leg and they are hollow. I was seeing some finish fading or I guess even patination (?) which really shows on one of the faces. I guess it could have been near a window over a long period of time?

 

Probably those very long spears, a bit like this one:


Like this one they are probably historical warriors from famous stories.
Mandarins were government officials, administrative rather than military.

 

Or maybe plaster from the casting process?

 

I would have thought the footwear was Japanese, but only because I bought an auction lot once that included a variety of Japanese footwear (in particular, thong sandals).

 

You're right, the rest of their dress looks kind of Japanese too.

 

I cannot tell you how much that delights me. Sometimes a little knowledge can make one look quite stupid -- always a relief when that doesn't happen.

 

Uhm... we could both be wrong.
Why they would wear full armour and no foot protection is beyond me. But I know they were not the only ones.

 

oh good, still the opportunity for mortification. Well, at least now I have good company.

 

Okay, I had to google "samurai sandals" to come up with the real name (waraji).

 

Aha!

 

Samurai statues do appear to be legion.

 

Could be plaster - I wouldn't think the housekeepers would have used polish on these but I could be wrong I guess that could be a reason why the patina is not even as well. I went down the rabbit hole with Japanese.

 

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/18108690_pair-elaborate-large-bronze-samurai-warriors

 

What is on the back of the man in the bottom photo?

 

I am assuming it is the holder for the sword. I can double check tomorrow.

 

Unsafe fighting, just like those sandals. Can't recommend it in this day and age, you can't be too careful.