Xiuding Temple Pagoda Sculptures

CHINA, Henan, Anyang; Tang dynasty

The pagoda, a square, single-story structure, is located at Qingliangshan (Cool Mountain). The door on the south side is framed by an intricately carved arch. Reliefs of the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future who are flanked by disciples, Bodhisattvas, and Heavenly Kings are above the lintel. An inscription in cursive script is dated to 870. There is a kirtimukha over the arch with a curved frieze of other mythical creatures on either side. A rectangular brick further along the wall features a four-armed demon. It wields weapons with one pair of hands, while the other pair is encumbered by a stole sent flying by its violent movement.
The outer wall of the pagoda is decorated with 3,700 molded bricks of different shapes. These feature reliefs with themes including apsaras, heavenly musicians, mythical creatures, humans, and animals. Between the figures are images of lotus flowers and braided patterns. One of the diamond-shaped bricks has a demon wrestling a snake. Another portrays a muscular demon with long cascading hair is found under the eaves. The creature sits grasping its crossed ankles with an exaggerated face in its staring eyes, bulbous nose, and downturned mouth.