China: Vaisravana, one of the four Buddhist guardian kings. Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, 8th-9th century

Vaiśravaṇa (Sanskrit) or Vessavaṇa (Pāli) also known as Jambhala in Tibet and Bishamonten in Japan is the name of the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings and an important figure in Buddhist mythology. Here he is depicted riding across the sea. The Buddhist era kings of Khotan claimed descent from Vaisravana, who is said to have come to live in the oasis when it was just a desert.

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Silk Road