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Prince Liangzhuang Tomb: Figurine of Mahakala
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Prince Liangzhuang Tomb: Figurine of Mahakala
CHINA, Hubei, Zhongxiang; Ming dynasty (1368–1644); Gold; H: 9.4 cm; Hubei Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, Wuhan, China
Mahakala was a war god in ancient India and later became a Buddhist Dharma protector. This figurine was discovered in 2001. Mahakala wears a five-skulled crown and has a square face. He appears wrathful with a knitted brow, opened mouth, protruding teeth, and a skull necklace. Wearing a hide loincloth and fluttering stoles, he holds a curved knife in his right hand and a skull bowl in his left. Both Dharma instruments are distinguishing features of Mahakala. He wears anklets and is depicted trampling on a demon atop an inverted lotus pedestal edged with a bead pattern. Mahakala is surrounded by a flaming mandorla. |
