Underground Palace Door

This authentic set of stone doors is from an ancient underground palace of the Tang Dynasty. It consists of three parts: double doors, lintel and door posts. These rubbings of the door surface show two Deva Kings at the top and a pair of lions at the bottom. The four figures are framed by scroll-leaf patterns. The armor-clad Deva Kings stand with legs apart upon rocks. Each wears a helmet decorated with pheasant tail-feathers and holds a halberd in one hand, while the other hand rests upon the waist. With their bulging eyes and snarling mouths, they appear extremely intimidating. The lions have flowing means and appear powerful. The lintel and the doorposts are decorated with line engravings in scroll leaf patterns. This set of stone doors has been polished and the details are engraved with elegance. It is a superb example of underground palace doors.