Drak Lhalupuk Cave: Standing Bodhisattvas

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa; Tibetan Empire (circa 7th–9th century)

There are 14 Bodhisattvas, approximately 35 cm in height, carved about 1 m above the ground on the lower part of the south wall along the circumambulation passageway. Most of the figures appear calm and peaceful, except for one which has a wrathful appearance.
Of the three figures shown, the two figures on the left each have gold faces and blue hair, and wear red, blue, and yellow dhotis The color on their bodies has faded, but appears to have once been gold. The middle figure has a green nimbus and both hands hang down naturally. The figure on the far left has a red nimbus and forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. Posed in the warrior stance on the far right, the wrathful Bodhisattva has three eyes, a red nimbus, and a bulging stomach. The Bodhisattva wears a five-pointed crown and forms the karana (warding off evil) mudra with the left hand. The extended right hand holds a vajra. The bright colors on all three figures were the restorative attempts of later generations.