Wutaishan Foguang Temple East Hall: Bodhisattvas Making Offerings

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Tang dynasty

These Bodhisattvas are located before each of the Three Buddha statues. They kneel upon lotus pedestals and hold an offering of fruit in their hands. In style of dress, they differ little from the standing attendants. Elaborate crowns partly restrain the hair piled in topknots, although some locks slip from beneath to cascade over the shoulders. The mantle they wear does not cover the chest, allowing the ornate necklaces to be visible. These are studded with rosettes from which pendants fall. The figures kneel with one knee to a lotus pedestal on which the leaves overlap. Offerings are one of the cultivations that a Bodhisattva practices to acquire merit, virtue, and wisdom. They are depicted with tranquil and smiling dedication.