Fusheng Temple Amitabha Hall Sculptures

CHINA, Shanxi, Yuncheng; Yuan to Ming dynasty

The main statues in Amitabha Hall are of Amitabha Buddha accompanied by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. Avalokitesvara Crossing the Sea, accompanied by Sudhana, a Wisdom King, and other figures making offerings are on the back of the screen wall. While these sculptures date from the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), there are also statues of the Four Heavenly Kings and Eighteen Arhats that were added during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
Amitabha is seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne while the Bodhisattvas stand on deep lotus pedestals. Mahasthamaprapta is more distinct in appearance, wearing an ornate headdress, necklace and colored stoles undulating about the body. The Wisdom King is depicted with three heads, six arms and a wrathful expression. His hair and the stoles on his body are whipped backwards by the impetus of his descent while a snake is wrapped across his chest. Brandished in his hands are various Dharma instruments.
The Four Heavenly Kings are portrayed as generals. They are powerfully built and wear highly decorative armor and ornamented helmets. Each holds a different identifying object.
The Eighteen Arhats are depicted realistically and vary in age, garb, and seated posture.