Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts

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Vols：Painting

Page：685

Mogao Cave 17: Virupaksa

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907); Ink and color on silk; 45.5 x 16 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
In this 9th century painting, Virupaksa, Heavenly King of the West, wears a crown, colorful armor, and a stole. He has a high topknot and a nimbus outlined with flame patterns. Both hands rest on the hilt of a long sword. The Heavenly King stands calmly upon the head and knee of a subdued demon. His hips jut out to one side due to the uneven positioning of his feet. There are three bells at the top of the picture, and floral patterned diagonal grids along the bottom.

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