Jokhang Temple Central Hall: Heavenly Beings

CHINA, Tibet, Lhasa

The heavenly beings are carved in mid-relief on squared columns with patterned divisions above and below. The majority are making offerings and their gaze is directed upwards. They are bare chested but a buoyant stole floats behind them, then winds about their arms and descends to the floor. These are not modeled but painted onto the background or over the limbs. Each figure wears a differently styled necklace and plainer ornaments about the arms and ankles. All but one wear shorts secured by a knotted belt and these adopt dancing positions with one leg crossing over the other.