Carved Wooden Doors With Guardians

Famen Si

The doors to Famen Si crypt were carved with directional guardians, of which three completed examples are seen here (the guardian on the fourth door, not shown, appears in outline only). The figures' state of preservation, including much original paint, is remarkable. The figures are strongly individualized in physiognomy as well as attributes, although some elements (such as Vaisravana's stupa, right) are standard.