Guanyin Temple Avalokitesvara Hall: Twenty-Four Heavenly Beings

CHINA, Shanxi, Changzhi; Ming dynasty

The statues are located along the north and south walls of the hall, along the second tier. Sakra is the principal figure on the north wall, while Brahma leads the assemblage on the south wall. The Twenty-Four Heavenly Beings ride upon rolling clouds of five colors. The heavenly beings are depicted in various guises: as a monarch, an official, various soldiers bearing their weapons and crowned maidens exquisitely robed. The figures hold a variety of objects including parasols, sun discs, a pear-shaped lute and a hunting bow.