Fahai Temple Great Hero Hall: Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on Clouds

CHINA, Beijing; Ming dynasty

These two images are painted on the east and west walls of the Great Hero Hall. The upper registers of both walls mirror each other. On each wall, there are depictions of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on clouds, which include the Five Dhyani Buddhas, Four Bodhisattvas, Six Avalokitesvaras, and an apsara. The Five Dhyani Buddhas sit in meditation on lotus thrones supported by clouds, each wearing a red monastic robe covering both shoulders and forming the dhyana (meditation) or Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. The Buddhas are flanked by Four Bodhisattvas and the Six Avalokitesvaras. Beside the Four Bodhisattvas there is an apsara holding a basket of flowers flying through the clouds. In the lower registers of both walls, there are depictions of heavenly courtyards, trees, and flowers.