Sitting Bodhisattva
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Sitting Bodhisattva
Liao Dynasty
916-1125 C.E.
Painted Wood
110 cm
Wood Sculpture Gallery 102 Perennial Wood Blossoms
916-1125 C.E.
Painted Wood
110 cm
Wood Sculpture Gallery 102 Perennial Wood Blossoms
The Liao dynasty was founded by the northern nomadic group Qidans, or Khitans, who ruled northeastern China for over 200 years. During the chaotic transition period of the late Tang and the Five Dynasties, the Qidans helped to preserve the Buddhist heritage in a tradition that blends its indigenous free-spirited and robust nomadic style with the Tang-Song traditional characteristics. In this statue, the bodhisattva’s hair is arranged in a tall topknot. His crown is now lost. His round, smooth face with a broad space between the eyebrows is a typical Tang-Song feature. On the other hand, his clothing and appearance display the distinctive Liao style. He is dressed in the current style “hufu,” the fashion of the ethnic minority groups. Two braids fall from behind his ears. A cape drapes around his shoulders. Bejeweled necklaces hang in front of his chest. A long sash crosses from his left shoulder down toward the waist. His upper arms and above the waist are decorated with tied ribbons. The edges of his sleeves flutter as if blown by the wind. His abdomen is slightly exposed above his lower skirt, which displays line patterns of varying density. These stylistic details are unique of Liao Buddhist statues.



