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Shalu Monastery Central Hall Avalokitesvara Shrine: Naga King
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Shalu Monastery Central Hall Avalokitesvara Shrine: Naga King
CHINA, Tibet, Shigatse; 14th century
Located in the Avalokitesvara Shrine in the circumambulation passage on the first story of the central hall, this image dates from the 14th century. The Naga King has a white body and four arms. Sitting with his head turned slightly to the side, he wears a golden crown, earrings, and ornaments. Two of his hands are joined in reverence in front of his chest; the other two hold the stalks of decorative lotus flowers outlined with gold flame patterns. The heads of seven nagas, each topped with a flaming jewel, emerge from behind the king's head. Their colorful tails wrap around the king's lower body, forming the shape of a lotus bud. The nimbus and the aureole are decorated with jewels. Two columns topped with a rainbow arch form the outer edge of the mandorla. |
