Qing Imperial Palace: Temple with Buddha Niches

CHINA, Beijing; Qing dynasty

This two-story temple with a hip roof measures 65 cm high, 51 cm long, and 22 cm wide. In the center of the ridge, there is a vase supported by an inverted lotus inlaid with precious stones. The ends of the ridge and the corners of the roofs are decorated with a cloud design. Each story is enclosed by balustrades. The whole structure stands on a Sumeru base decorated with vajras, scroll leaf, and wattle patterns.
There are three arched niches on each story on the front of the building and a niche on both sides. Underneath the niches are lotus designs made of jade; the niches are framed by beads. The walls are embedded with wattle patterns, and the eight auspicious symbols can be seen on the facade of the upper and lower stories.
A Buddha is enshrined within each niche. The Buddhas on the upper story are depicted sitting in full lotus position on lotus thrones wearing robes that cover their left shoulder. The right hands form bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra, while the left hands are held in front of the abdomen. The Buddhas on the lower story also sit cross-legged on lotus thrones, but with different clothing and postures.