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Zishou Temple Ksitigarbha Hall: Ten Kings of Hell
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Zishou Temple Ksitigarbha Hall: Ten Kings of Hell
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Zishou Temple Ksitigarbha Hall: Ten Kings of Hell
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Zishou Temple Ksitigarbha Hall: Ten Kings of Hell
CHINA, Shanxi, Jinzhong; Ming dynasty (1368–1644); Clay
The Ten Kings of Hell are the judges a person encounters after they die and go to hell. They decide the person 's future fate in a complicated process. The figures are located on the side walls of the hall, sitting on decoratively carved thrones with hellish imps scampering about their feet. They glance forward with expressions of impartiality while holding batons, the symbols of their office, securely in their hands. Their ornate flowing robes and elaborate headgear typify them as high imperial officials of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). |
