Qinglian Lower Temple South Hall: Heavenly King

CHINA, Shanxi, Jincheng; Tang dynasty

The Heavenly King is located on the far right corner of the altar. He wears a cap knotted at the top and armor with no protective plates, which differs from the normal full armor generally worn by these figures. The figure’s hands are raised and may originally have brandished a weapon. A surcoat is hitched over the protective clothing below, giving a glimpse of the heavy war boots that are planted firmly to the ground. Although not in violent motion, the knitted eyebrows and down-turned mouth hint at the character’s strength and determination.