Hongfu Temple Great Hero Hall Sculptures

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Jin dynasty

The Great Hero Hall enshrines nine statues: the Avatamsaka Triad which consists of Sakyamuni Buddha, Manjusri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas, the Buddha’s disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda, two other attendant Bodhisattvas, and two Heavenly Kings.
The Buddha and two main Bodhisattvas are seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne, supported by warriors at the corners. Each figure makes a different mudra and their mandorlas, elaborately decorated with celestial scenes, pavilions and floral motifs, are surrounded by a stylized cloud pattern.
Mahakasyapa is illustrated as an elderly man with his head turned toward the Buddha and his hands gesturing, while Ananda is the opposite in appearance, youthful and with palms joined in reverence. Both figures wear monastic robes depicted in some detail.