Mogao Cave 427: Heavenly Kings (antechamber, south wall, right side)
Clay
Mogao Cave 427: Heavenly Kings
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty
The Four Heavenly Kings are located on the north and south walls of the antechamber. They are depicted with their hands on their hips, forming fists, or holding objects. Some hold their mouth and lips tightly pursed while others’ mouths are agape. They appear fierce with angry expressions and robust bodies. Wearing headdresses, stoles, armor, and tall boots, they step on demons under their feet.
During the Sui dynasty (581–618) it was common to display sculptures of Heavenly Kings and warriors at the front of caves. Only statues of this type, held within the recesses of the caves, have generally withstood the passage of time. These figures were repainted in later dynasties but are otherwise well preserved in their original forms.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves Mo-S, page 1207.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves Mo-S},
pages = 1207,
title = {{Mogao Cave 427: Heavenly Kings}},
volume = 8,
year = {2016}}