Mogao Cave 100: Four Heavenly Kings

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

Vivid images of the Four Heavenly Kings are painted in the four corners of the ceiling in the main chamber of Cave 100. All the kings wear elaborate crowns and colorful armor. Dhrtarastra, Heavenly King of the East, is the protector of nation and the leader of the Heavenly King. He has thick eyebrows, large eyes, a full beard, and an open mouth. He holds a staff and sits with one knee folded under his body. He is accompanied by gandharvas and pisacas. Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North, is renowned for his benevolence. He is depicted with long, red hair and a beard. He kneels on one knee and supports a pagoda in both hands. Yaksas and raksasas stand beside him. Virudhaka, Heavenly King of the South, guards the Jambudvipa continent and helps people to extend their inner root of kindness. He has red brows, green eyes, and a fierce, snarling expression. His hands hold a bow and arrow, and he is flanked by kumbhandas and pretas. Virupaksa, Heavenly King of the West, observes and watches over the Jambudvipa continent. He holds a sword in his right hand, and his left thumb rests on the blade. Virupaksa glares wide-eyed with an angry expression, and is accompanied by nagas and putanas.