Painted Sculptures of Dunhuang

Painted sculptures is the main medium of art found in Dunhuang, a traditional craft dating back to the Han people of Gansu Province. Produced a millennium ago and over 3,000 in total, these Chinese Buddhist statues are exquisite in terms of quantity, quality, antiquity, craftsmanship and indeed a rare treasure trove.


The Re-emergence of Painted Sculptures of Dunhuang of the High Tang Dynasty

Many colourful Buddhist statues can be found in the world famous Mogao Caves of Dunhuang. Created a millennium ago, the most exquisite statues are from the High Tang period. Noble features reflecting high respect for Buddhism and the integration with sentient beings is the essence of these works of art. They are invaluable and flawless interpretation of Buddhist ideals and Chinese aesthetics.

This book is an introduction to the colourful statues reproduced at Chi Lin Nunnery. Based on the sculptures of Mogao Caves 328 and 45 which represents the apex of painted sculptures of the High Tang period, these are exact replicas in wood of a Buddha, two Bodhisattvas and two Disciples.

The original Dunhuang sculptures are masterpieces, exceptional prototype for generations to come. With reverence, a thousand years later, we strive and venture to faithfully replicate and to encapsulate the essence of the original statues. We respectfully present these recreations of the Buddhist art of Dunhuang and in the hope of reviving this ancient art form for all to appreciate.

The Re-emergence of Painted Sculptures of Dunhuang of the High Tang Dynasty

Buddha Śākyamuni

The Buddha Śākyamuni is seated in the lotus position, left leg resting on the right leg and right leg over the left, both soles upturned. The right hand gesture indicates bestowing fearlessness and his left hand in the gesture of overcoming demons. His posture is upright and graceful. Wearing a red patchwork kaṣāya decorated as fields of merit, his robe comprises of three garments: a main nine panel robe (Skt. saṁghāti), an undergarment (Skt. antarvāsa) and an inner garment waist robe (Skt. nivāsana). The main robe, saṁghāti in Sanskrit, has soft delicate folds and smooth silky texture.

Bodhisattva Samantabhadra

Bodhisattva Samantabhadra represents the manifestation of the practice of all Buddhas, a symbol of a limitless vow to save all sentient beings. When Buddha Śākyamuni was preaching the Dharma of the Great Vehicle, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra was unfailingly by his right side. His looks and attire are similar to those of Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī.

Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī

The semantic translation for Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī is ‘wonderfully virtuous’ or ‘wonderfully auspicious’, symbolising supreme wisdom. When Buddha Śākyamuni was preaching the Dharma of the Great Vehicle (Skt. mahāyāna), Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī always stood by his left side as his flanking Attendant.

Venerable Ānanda

For over 20 years, Venerable Ānanda was an attendant to Buddha Śākyamuni while he preached the Dharma. Among his ten principal disciples, he was known as the most learned.

Venerable Kāśyapa

Venerable Kāśyapa was the leader of Buddha Śākyamuni’s ten principal disciples. He is depicted with bright penetrating eyes and protruding eye-brow ridges, cheek bones and ribs. His distinct features are an image of a great and wise elder who has attained the realisation beyond birth and death.