Longxing Temple: Standing Bodhisattva

CHINA, Shandong, Qingzhou; Northern Qi dynasty

This Bodhisattva is highly detailed, from the crown to the patterns on the lower hem of the robe. The face is flawless and almost life-like, the eyes are cast down and the expressive lips of the small mouth are slightly upturned. The tight garment has a ruffled upper sleeve across which falls a stole, secured by moon discs at the shoulder. A long beaded necklace meets in a jeweled clasp below the waist, from which a pendant falls below the knee while the mains strands continue down the side of the leg and loop round the back. The elaborate bow on the lower robe is as carefully detailed. The whole statue is gilded and traces of red paint are still visible.