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Ruiguang Temple Pagoda: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
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Ruiguang Temple Pagoda: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
CHINA, Jiangsu, Suzhou; Song dynasty (960–1279); Copper; H: 21 cm; Suzhou Museum, Jiangsu, China
This statue depicts Ksitigarbha as a monk. It was discovered in the heavenly palace on the third story of the pagoda in 1978. The figure is seated on a hollow throne in the relaxation posture with the overhanging left leg resting upon a small lotus pedestal. The Bodhisattva holds a wish-fulfilling jewel in the right hand.
The figure wears a monastic robe over the left shoulder with one end folded over the other shoulder. The Bodhisattva's status as a monk is further indicated by the clean-shaven head, beneath which the facial features are almost rudimentary, with eyebrows and eyes simply incised. The composition is supported on a rectangular openwork stand. |
