Wutaishan Nanchan Temple Main Hall: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Tang dynasty

Located on the right side of Sakyamuni Buddha in the main hall, Samantabhadra sits with legs crossed on a lotus saddle that is mounted on the back of a richly caparisoned elephant. The Bodhisattva holds a slim scepter in the right hand and a sutra scroll held horizontally in the other. A tall floral crown is worn on the head with ribbons tied to the back that descend over the arms. The colorful robe is open over the chest to show the large ornate necklace.
The elephant is being led by a mahout who, in place of the usual Central Asian looks, has the dark skin, flattened nose, thick lips and curly hair of an African. The mahout is bending forward and, like other drivers, appears to be threatening the beast with clenched fist. Nearby, a grinning child peers upward towards the animal.