Khara Khoto: Vaisravana and Heavenly Beings

CHINA, Inner Mongolia, Alxa; Western Xia period

The central figure in this detailed painting is Vaisravana Heavenly King of the North. The Heavenly King wears a crown and armor, and has a green nimbus. Riding on a fierce lion with an open mouth and curled mane, Vaisravana appears strong and powerful. He is surrounded by the Eight Kings of Horses, who represent the eight directions. Each king rides on a white horse and holds a different weapon. They are accompanied by fierce yaksas, who run forward or ride on animals including an ox and a tiger. In the middle at the top of the picture, there is an image of the black Mahakala. Blank red cartouches are painted beside many of the figures.