Chongfu Temple Amitabha Hall Murals

CHINA, Shanxi, Shuozhou; Jin dynasty

The walls of the Amitabha Hall in Chongfu Temple are covered with murals. However, the murals on the north wall have faded because of renovations during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911), and some of the murals on the east wall were damaged when part of the wall collapsed.
The east and west walls are each decorated with three murals illustrating Dharma teachings. These neatly arranged images feature Buddha figures that are over 400 cm high. The Buddhas are depicted sitting in full lotus position upon lotus thrones. Their mandorlas are adorned with flame patterns and dark lines. A Bodhisattva stands beside each Buddha, holding various objects including a scroll, a lotus, and a vase. The Bodhisattvas have serene expressions and wear elaborate headdresses and ornaments. In the top corners of the murals, there are images of the Five Dhyana Buddhas and apsaras riding on clouds.
The mural on the left side of the south wall is divided into two sections. Three seated Buddhas are painted in the upper section, and three seated Bodhisattvas are shown in the lower section. The three Buddhas were repainted during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). The mural on the right side of the wall portrays Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva flanked by Mahadevi and Vasu.