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Guge White Temple: Dharma Protectors
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Guge White Temple: Dharma Protectors
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Guge White Temple: Dharma Protectors
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Guge White Temple: Dharma Protectors
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Guge White Temple: Dharma Protectors
CHINA, Tibet, Ngari; 13th–14th century; Clay; H: 340 cm
The blue-colored protector is located on the left side of the entrance to the temple, along with the similarly designed red-colored protector on the right side. The symmetrical figures are similar in form and posture. The blue protector is missing a usnisa and both arms, and has a damaged chest and abdomen, while the red protector is missing a left arm and had the lower frontal surface broken.
The head of the red protector is disproportionately large, and its wide-open eyes, set below thick eyebrows, a third-eye, wide nose, and open mouth, convey fury. The flaming eyebrows, along with the mustache, armlets, bracelets, anklets, and other ornaments that adorn the figure are gilded. The bodies are largely bare except for a pair of short trouser-like garments. The statues stand on lotus pedestals and their missing arms were once raised in an exaggerated manner towards the entrance. They are placed in front of a painted niche-shaped mandorla adorned with flames and glorious ornaments against a red background. |
