Qixia Temple Relic Pagoda Sculptures

CHINA, Jiangsu, Nanjing; Southern Tang Kingdom

These carvings are located on the largest column of the five-tier octagonal relic pagoda. Depicted are Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas, two Heavenly Kings, two warriors, and two false doors. The carving of Manjusri is badly worn but Samantabhadra, located on the south-west side of the column, is well-preserved. The Bodhisattva is depicted riding atop an elephant, looking to one side, with one hand probably in vitarka (teaching) mudra and the other hand holding a sutra scroll. The elephant strides upon clouds with its mahout following close by. An intersecting aureole and nimbus are carved in low relief behind the Bodhisattva’s head while a canopy is suspended above the figure.
The Heavenly Kings are fully armored and have flame-shaped nimbuses. The figure to the right of Samantabhadra holds a whip in the right hand with the sculptors’ names inscribed beside him. The other Heavenly King holds a long sword in the right hand and a sheath in his other hand.
The figure on the other side of Samantabhadra is one of the two warriors, who grasps a war mace as he strides forward in an exaggerated posture. The remaining figure is also armored, but kneels in a small niche supporting the edifice with one hand, eyes wide open with effort.