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Longshan Temple: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
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Longshan Temple: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
CHINA, Fujian, Quanzhou; Ming dynasty (1368–1644), dated 1659; Copper alloy; H: 42 cm; Longshan Temple, Changhua, Taiwan
Local legend claims the statue was brought to the Longshan Temple in Taiwan from a temple with the same name in Fujian, China, in 1659 by the Chan Master Zhaoshan. The oldest such crowned Avalokitesvara in Taiwan, it was initially kept in the small original building of the present temple.
Avalokitesvara wears a five-leaf crown from which locks of plaited hair loop down. The figure, suspended over the square Sumeru throne, is seated in meditation with the robes falling in large folds. The style of the crown and the pattern found on the necklace derive from the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) or possibly Tibetan, although the clothing is Chinese in style. |
