Maijishan Grotto 4: Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Northern Zhou dynasty

Depicted on the facade of Grotto 4 are relief sculptures of the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors. Three of the eight sculptures are severely damaged by erosion. Of the five preserved sculptures, one is in the corner of the portico’s right wall and Niche 1 and a second in the corner of the left wall and Niche 7.The other three are between Niches 1 and 2, Niches 2 and 3, and Niches 5 and 6.
The figures are garbed as Chinese warriors and carved with exaggerated facial expressions. Some figures are portrayed with a lion headdress, stepping on a lion, or holding a vajra. Although restored a number of times, the figures still exhibit a Northern Zhou dynasty style.