Mogao Cave 17: Dhrtarastra Heavenly Kings

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

These symmetrical banners with reversed images and different color schemes were painted during the 9th century. The central figure on both banners carries a bow and an arrow, suggesting that he is Dhrtarastra, Heavenly King of the East.
Both Heavenly Kings have round faces and wear beautifully detailed armor and helmets. Faint mustaches are visible under their large noses. They stand on subdued demons with red hair and bulging eyes. Spiraling purple clouds rise up from behind their nimbuses. Lines of patterning are painted at the top of both images.
The Heavenly King with the green nimbus carries a pale red bow. Only the body of this banner remains. The Heavenly King on the other, fully intact banner has a blue nimbus and also holds a red bow. When the headpiece and streamers are included, the intact banner measures 187.3 cm high and 30.6 cm wide.