Maijishan Grotto 43: Warrior

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Song dynasty

This statue of a warrior is located on the right side of Grotto 43’s portico. There is a mirroring statue on the portico’s left side. With a frightful and fierce expression, the taut cheek muscles reveal a vicious set of teeth. The massive eyes appear excessively ferocious. Carved in relief, the warrior’s dhoti is exceptionally detailed. The warrior stands in a sinuous posture with the head and torso extended to one side. The stole, draped over the right shoulder, appears to be thrown into the air and evokes the sense of a lurching and aggressive movement as the right arm swings in the air across the chest. The warrior’s left hand holds a vajra. This exaggerated and massive work of aggression was intended to instill fear in all who sought to pass.