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Xiziyan Temple Main Hall: Amitabha Buddha Triad
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Xiziyan Temple Main Hall: Amitabha Buddha Triad
CHINA, Fujian, Quanzhou; Song dynasty (960–1279); Stone; H: 4.5 m (Buddha)
These statues are found within the main hall of Xiziyan Temple, which is located at the foothills of Zhuowangshan (Gaze Afar Mountain). They depict Amitabha Buddha, located in the center, and the Bodhisattvas Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta.
Amitabha Buddha wears a monastic robe that covers only the left shoulder. The garment falls in expanding folds to below the knees. The Buddha 's right hand opens in varada (wish-granting) mudra while the left hand holds a lotus. The Bodhisattvas have high topknots and wear floral earrings with tassels. The robes they wear have broad decorated hems and both stand on similarly carved lotus pedestals. Avalokitesvara is distinguished by the vase carried in the right hand, while both make the lotus mudra with the hand furthest from Amitabha. Circular nimbuses are carved in low relief on the wall behind the trio. They were listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site in 1985. A stele recording the restoration of the temple in 1764 is located to the left of the triad. |
