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Xianyan Temple Huiguang Pagoda: Heavenly King
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Xianyan Temple Huiguang Pagoda: Heavenly King
CHINA, Zhejiang, Rui 'an; Northern Song dynasty (960–1127), dated 1034–1043; Wood; H: 12.9 cm; Zhejiang Provincial Museum, Hangzhou, China
The statue was discovered in 1966 and was gilded except most of the gold has flaked off. Heavenly Kings are guardian, so this figure is depicted wearing a helmet and full body armor. The right hand hangs downward as if resting on the pommel of sword, although that is now missing, while the other hand holds a jewel. The body is turned abruptly to one side and the face scowls downward in that direction. The momentum has thrown the weight of the body onto one side and therefore, the arm is extended for balance. |
