Wanfo Temple: Amitabha Buddha

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Liu Song dynasty

The statue was excavated from the site of Wanfo Temple. The Buddha is seated cross-legged on a rectangular throne. It is interesting to note that the figure does not have a usnisa and the curls are quite large. A monastic robe is worn by Buddha that covers both shoulders, with the folds presented in a raised fashion. The hands, distinctly bulbous, rest on the lap, while the figure’s nose is flattened and the chin is pointed. The mandorla is plain, although the remains of a Bodhisattva at the bottom left indicates that it may have once been more elaborate. Lions, with their mouths agape as if roaring, are carved in relief along the front of the throne with a censer located in between them. Inscriptions on the sides and back state the statue was dedicated in 448 and identifies it as Amitabha.