Fogong Temple Shijia Pagoda: Sakyamuni Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Shuozhou; Liao dynasty

The pagoda has five stories excluding the hidden levels, and statues are enshrined in each of the five stories. The first story houses this large Sakyamuni Buddha. He sits in full lotus position on a multi-layer lotus throne. This figure is situated on a hollow base that is guarded by warriors and upheld by columns round which dragons twine. The Buddha has a molded urna and a painted mustache. His right hand is turned inward and raised in a mudra, while the left hand is lowered sideways in varada (wish-granting) mudra. The monastic robe he wears hangs open at the front and its panels are rimmed with colorful flower motifs, while medallions decorate the top of the skirt. The caisson ceiling above the statue is octagonal and the wall features other Buddhas and apsaras.