 |
Mogao Cave 380: Heavenly Kings
|
| |
 |
Mogao Cave 380: Heavenly Kings
|
| |
|
Mogao Cave 380: Heavenly Kings
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui to Tang dynasty (581–907)
These figures are painted on each side of the entrance on the front (east) wall of the main chamber. They have nimbuses and wear body armor with stoles draped around their arms. Virudhaka, Heavenly King of the South, wears a crown with ribbons and raises a spear in the right hand. The left hand rests on the waist. Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North, wears a helmet over a chain-mail hood. The figure holds a pagoda in the left hand and a spear in the right. Both Heavenly Kings’ delicate facial features and flowing stoles contrast with the rigidity of their war attire. The figures both stand triumphantly on demons. |
