Tianlongshan Cave 8: Vajrapanibalins

CHINA, Shanxi, Taiyuan; Sui dynasty

These Vajrapanibalins were originally located on both sides of the cave entrance, but they have been removed. The two statues are now preserved in Yurinkan Museum, Kyoto.
The hair of both warriors is tied up in a topknot and wrapped in a stole that drapes down both sides of the head. Angry eyes glare from beneath frowning eyebrows. The figure on the left has tightly compressed, closed lips, while the mouth of the figure on the right is opened, revealing the teeth. The two statues have strong, muscular builds with broad shoulders and slim waists. Stoles on both shoulders are knotted at the abdomen and hang to the knees from behind the elbows. Lower garments reveal both feet. With opposite arms, the figures form fists that are held in front of the chests, while the other hands hold vajras close to the body with arms bent inwards.