Guardian of the Buddha (Vajrapani) (Translation)
石雕天王立像 唐 (Primary Title)
sculpture (Object Name)
Unknown (Artist)
Carved in three dimensions, this dynamic figure wears a dhoti around his hips, showing his muscular chest, belly, arms, and legs. He stands on a slab with his right arm raised; originally holding his attribute, the vajra, a symbol of wisdom. Similar deities are often portrayed as guardians flanking the Buddha, such as those seen at the Fengxian temple in Longmen Caves in Henan province. Also known as Vajrapani (bearer of the vajra), guardians of this type can be traced back to temple guardians in India during the Kushan and Gandharan periods.
Tang dynasty (618-907)
None
Adolph D. and Wilkins C. Williams Fund
Image released via Creative Commons CC-BY-NC
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