Celestial Attendants

Cave #150
Beishan Grottoes

Many of these celestials, arranged on the left wall of the cave, are dressed as civil and military officials; other types include guardians, a standing bodhisattva with a chignon, and several small demon-like attendants. There is a similar assembly on the right wall, and a Guanyin triad on the center wall. The cave depicts a heavenly court, standing in attendance on Guanyin. The civil officials appear similar to those who line the imperial shendao.

The attendants are arranged in ranks, in front of mountain-like mandorlas with clouds. Their shallow platform is decorated with a horizontal band of trisulas and flowers, above another band of vegetal motifs.