Xilingun Caves

CHINA, Tibet, Ngari

The four Xilingun Caves are located on a cliffside near Xiangba village in the Langqen River basin. The caves date from the 15th to 17th centuries. Each is about 11 m above the ground; the first two are intact with murals, and the last two have collapsed.
The caves are similar in theme and style to the Kaepu Caves but lack mandalas. Instead, they feature various Vajrayana figures and Dharma protectors, which became more popular around the 16th century. There are also yab-yum figures from the same period. The caves contain no inscriptions, making them difficult to date, but the style of art indicates that they are from the late Guge Empire (circa 10th–17th century). Cave 1 also utilizes a technique of gold foil adhered to plaster, which became common much later, in the 15th century.