Stone Gate with Images of Heavenly Guardians

This stone gate, which was excavated from an old tomb in Seoak-dong, Gyeongju, is lightly embossed on either side with images of the guardians of Avatamska Sutra. The two guardians bear a great resemblance to one another; they are dressed the same, with a naked torso and warrior attire below the waist, and each has a glowing halo behind his head. Above their jeweled crowns, decorative ribbons from the headband flap in the wind, and they both have Heavenly Ribbons draped across their arms. Their legs are symmetrical, shoulders’ length apart, as they take an erect stance atop a lotus pedestal. Both guardians are wearing bracelets and anklets, and they are gripping a “dorje,” a divine weapon used to guard Buddha. Their glowing eyes, hooked nose, and long beard are typical features of the guardians.