Artist: Unknown
Title: Fenxian Tung (Cave 19),Vairochana Buddha's Attendant, the Benevolent king Vajravira (?)
Material: hard limestone
Site: Longmen, Henan
Current Location:
Period/Date: Dedicated in 675 C.E., Tang dynasty
Iconography/Iconology: The two benevolent kings, often called vajra gods, are the heroes that defend the kingdom in single combat. Vajravira is the adamantine, invincible hero. The corresponding king, Garbhavira, is known as Misha in Chinese and is said to be aware of all of Shakyamuni's "secrets" by following the Buddha throughout his teaching career. This implies that he knows all of the dharani, or magical incantations, that are necessary to overcome misfortune, enemies and other threats to the state. These two kings were extremely popular in both China and Japan and are ubiquitous in Chinese Tang sculpture.
Stylistic Comments: While not particularly realistic, the musculature of the image still falls within a convincing portrayal of human anatomy and implies the physical prowess of the kings.
