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Xiude Temple Sculptures
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Xiude Temple Sculptures
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Xiude Temple Sculptures
CHINA, Hebei, Baoding; 4th–10th century
Over 2,200 artifacts were uncovered from the Xiude Temple site in 1953, with dates ranging from the 4th to the 10th century and spanning five dynasties. There are 247 artifacts that have inscriptions, including 17 pieces from the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), 40 from the Eastern Wei dynasty (534–550), 101 from the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577), 81 from the Sui dynasty (581–618), and 8 from the Tang dynasty (618–907). There are around 19 different subjects that these sculptures portray, most are either of single Buddha figures, paired Buddhas, single or paired Avalokitesvaras, Bodhisattvas, or Bodhisattvas in contemplation. Most of the statues are sculpted from marble with a few hundred pieces containing traces of paint. Around ten colors have been detected. The inscriptions mainly state the name of the donors, their rank, profession, and the reason behind the statue 's dedication. These finds allow researchers to make study of the evolving sculptural styles between the dynasties, and the changes in calligraphy where inscriptions are involved. |
