Kizil Cave 67: Heavenly Kings and Naga Kings

CHINA, Xinjiang, Aksu

Images of the Four Heavenly Kings, one on each of the four corners, are depicted on the ceiling of the cave. They are all damaged, although the painting on the right corner near the back wall of the chamber is better preserved.
In one of the corners, the Heavenly King is seated within a heavenly palace and wears brocaded armor. His left arm is in front of the chest and his head is tilted slightly to one side. The Heavenly King is flanked by two Naga Kings, each seated with legs crossed and wearing long stoles. They look toward the Heavenly King with smiles on their lips. Clouds resembling snake heads are found above the Naga Kings. The apsaras flying toward the Naga Kings on the outer sides also have snake images above their heads. All five figures wear single-jeweled crowns and have nimbuses.