Baoning Temple: Water and Land Dharma Service Collection - Wisdom Kings

CHINA, Shanxi, Youyu; Ming dynasty

These ten artworks, part of Baoning Temple’s Water and Land Dharma Service collection, portray the Ten Wisdom Kings, including Vajrahasa, Padanaksipa, Mahabala, Acala, Aparajita, Hayagriva, and Trailokyavijaya. The Wisdom Kings are manifestations of Buddhas who appear ferocious in order to tame stubborn beings.
At the top of each painting, there is a Bodhisattva seated in full lotus position within a round mandorla. A band of flame patterns separates the Bodhisattvas from the wrathful Wisdom Kings below. The kings hold ritual implements and stand or sit upon animals, demons, female spirits, or ghosts that struggle in futility to break free. Each king has a striking, unique appearance. Their stoles billow around them, conveying a sense of dynamic movement. Fine lines are used to add exquisite details to the ornaments, hair, and faces of the kings. Sparingly applied bright red, blue, white, and green colors stand out from the tan backgrounds.