Shanhua Temple Great Hero Hall: Surya

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Jin dynasty

Surya is one of the Twenty-Four Heavenly Beings displayed in the Great Hero Hall along the east wall. Adapted from the Hindu sun god, he was later included as one of the Twelve Heavenly Beings in the Buddhist pantheon. He is mentioned in Chinese texts as the one to whom prayers should be addressed “if one desires to be rid of diseases of hotness and coldness.”
The figure is long-faced and has slightly extended ear lobes. Dressed as a high imperial official and holding a baton of office, Surya wears a gauze hat and a ceremonial green and gold gown with low hanging sleeves and floral patterns. The tips of cloud-pattern shoes are seen jutting from under the robe.