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Pagoda Wall Decoration
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Pagoda Wall Decoration
CHINA; Tang dynasty (618–907); Limestone; H: 69 cm; Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
This mid-relief carving originally formed part of a pagoda wall. The niched doorway in the center displays a web-footed guardian below the arch. Pillars on either side of the doorway are upheld by yaksas and entwined by dragons. The pillars provide a perch for threatening lions, while intimidating Heavenly Kings raise their fists below. Two more dragons stand above the ogee-shaped lintel, and a dancer stamps on a lotus amid swirling stoles. Apsaras fly downward, their long stoles trailing to the upper edge. The undulating outer edges are created by the backs of additional dragons scrambling up its cliff face. |
