Qigxin: Heavenly Beings

CHINA, Xinjiang, Bayingolin

Both these figures are the same in style, with curled hair swept into a low topknot and falling over the shoulders in ringlets and curls. The torsos are bare but for pieces of elaborate jewelry. Behind them is the rounded stole-like feature common to many of the statues from the area. Though the features are produced by facial molds, the heads have been set differently on the necks. One figure looks to the front with staring eyes, while the other looks downward and to one side, giving a completely different impression. Much of these sculptures is prefabricated and then assembled. The assembling of elements produces the different character of the two pieces.