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Mogao Cave 17: Vaisravana

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on silk; 50.5 x 17.5 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
In this 9th century painting, Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North, wears a crown decorated with fluttering white ribbons. He has a rosy face, a bushy beard, and wide eyes. A green nimbus surrounds the head. The muscular Heavenly King wears armor, decorated armlets, and a shawl. Holding a long sword with his left hand and balancing a stupa in his right hand, Vaisravana stands upon a subdued demon.

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