Wutaishan Nanchan Temple Main Hall: Sakyamuni Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Tang dynasty

The Buddha sits in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne and glances down stoically. A monastic robe opens at the front to give a glimpse of the inner robe that is secured by a bow. Besides the guardian lions, two powerfully muscled warriors strain to support the weight of the throne, one across his back and the other bracing it on his left hand and shoulder.
The petal-shaped mandorla is decorated with flowers and foliage. At the top of the inner area is a garuda bird. Next to it, are apsaras with long sleeves covering their hands. To the lower left and right of the apsaras are the Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra riding their mounts over clouds.