Xiaoxitian Temple Great Hero Hall Sculptures

CHINA, Shanxi, Linfen; Ming dynasty

Xiaoxitian means Small Western Paradise. The temple is divided into upper and lower compounds, where the east-facing Great Hero Hall is located int he upper compound. Four pagodas divide the hall’s altar into five connecting niches. Small figures of Bodhisattvas and Heavenly Kings are enshrined in the pagodas while larger statues of Buddhas and attendant Bodhisattvas are contained in the niches. The first figure starting from the left is the Medicine Buddha flanked by Suryaprabha and Candraprabha Bodhisattvas; followed by Amitabha who is accompanied by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta; the figure in the center is Sakyamuni with Manjusri and Samantabhadra, then Vairocana also with Manjusri and Samantabhadra; and finally Maitreya with Lotus Grove and Great Wonderful Appearance Bodhisattvas.
The side walls are completely filled with sculptures. The Ten Great Disciples accompanied by figures of children are in the lower section. The upper section along the south wall depicts scenes from the Western Pure Land with Amitabha located at the center. The north wall shows scenes of Vairocana Buddha teaching the Dharma.