Mogao Cave 154: Vaisravana

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

There are two images of Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North on the right side of the south wall within the main chamber; the figure pictured here is the lower of the two, and dates to the Mid-Tang period (756–846). The Heavenly King wears a crown and has a fierce expression, with wide, glaring eyes, and a furrowed brow. Dressed in full armor, he holds a pagoda in his left hand and a halberd in his right. A curved knife and a long sword are attached to his belt. Below, a heavenly being rises from swirling clouds and reaches up to support Vaisravana’s feet. An unknown figure stands to the right, wearing green robes and a tall crown covered by a brown headscarf. A nearby cartouche reads, “Vaisravana, the Heavenly King.”