Statue

Coarse light grey limestone carved statue of Virūḍhaka or Zēngcháng Tiān (Chinese). This lokapala, or celestial guardian king is associated with one of the four directions and wears the traditional leather and quilted uniform of a Tang warrior. He is thought to represent the Guardian of the South. The surface has traces of green, red and black painted and gilded gesso. The low base has holes in the back for an attachment to the floor or wall. This statue was attributed to Tianlongshan when it was acquired but it is not certain if it came from that cave complex.