Fengguo Temple Great Hero Hall: Seven Buddhas

CHINA, Liaoning, Jinzhou; Liao dynasty

The Seven Buddhas of the Past enshrined in the Great Hero Hall are, from east to west, Kasyapa, Krakuchanda, Sikhin, Vipasyin, Visvabhu, Kanakamuni, and Sakyamuni. They are of slightly different heights but are all over 8 m high. The Buddhas sit in full lotus position on elaborate lotus thrones supported on an octagonal base. Dharma protectors and warriors accompany them and a pair of facing Bodhisattvas stands in front of each Buddha. All the figures are individualized, with hands in different mudras or carrying different attributes. High flame-patterned mandorlas, which may have been added later, are behind the Buddhas since the statues have been through several refurbishments.