Shanhua Temple Great Hero Hall: Raksasa

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Jin dynasty

Located along the west wall of the Great Hero Hall, Raksasa is one of the Twelve Heavenly Beings with responsibility for guarding the southwest in the Buddhist pantheon. Formerly a destructive demon, he was a convert of the Buddha from early times in India.
The figure stands with feet astride and sword drawn. Beneath the detailed war helmet, the eyes glare forward and the corners of the mouth are turned down. Raksasa is dressed in full medieval armor with the heads of monsters on the shoulders protectors and at the front of the breast-plate. Although the figure is stationery, the flying sleeve and the gesturing left hand give a sense of barely contained momentum.