Yuqing Chan Monastery Main Hall Sculptures

CHINA, Shanxi, Yuncheng; Ming dynasty

The hall features three Buddhas, flanked by Bodhisattvas and Heavenly Kings, while the Sixteen Arhats are lined along the side walls. The Buddhas are similar in style, with painted curls, usnisas and urnas. A mustache and pointed beard are painted onto the face. The Buddha pictured is seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. A radiating nimbus behind the head is succeeded by a highly decorative mandorla with two floral surrounds and a rim of flames. The Dharma wheel and conch shell are featured at the top, indicating that the figure is a teaching Buddha.
The Bodhisattvas stand on each side of the Buddhas, wearing crowns that are ornamented with sidepieces. Braids fall from the hair, from which loose locks scatter over the shoulders. A brocaded mantle is secured across the bare chest by a golden clasp. The left hand of the figure is lifted and the right arm has a stole draped over it.