Longxing Temple: Standing Bodhisattva

CHINA, Shandong, Qingzhou; Northern Qi dynasty

The serene Bodhisattva is heavily decorated with jewelry. The crown features a damaged Buddha from which descend a string of beads and medallions that wrap around the base of the crown. The hair has been tied into two braids that drape down to the shoulders and along the arms. A necklace with an ornate pendant hangs over the chest. From the shoulders, an elaborate bead ornament falls in a double loop across the thighs and returns up the back to unite in a jade ring. The robe clings to the slim body and the folded skirt is decorated down the front with a panel of Dharma symbols. Traces of gilt, and red and green paint, are still visible on the surface of the statue. The bead ornaments, interspaced with flower medallions, hang from the sides of the garment and fall to the floor.