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Imperfect beauty of a gilded Bodhisattva from Tang Dynasty

CGTN

 , Updated 14:35, 06-Sep-2024
A file photo shows the Bodhisattva statue housed at the Shanxi Museum in north China. /CFP
A file photo shows the Bodhisattva statue housed at the Shanxi Museum in north China. /CFP

A file photo shows the Bodhisattva statue housed at the Shanxi Museum in north China. /CFP

The "imperfect treasures" of China are steeped in elegance – cultural relics that, despite their imperfections, hold great historical value. Among them is a gilded and colorfully painted Tang Dynasty (618-907) Bodhisattva statue, currently housed in the Shanxi Museum.

A file photo shows the Bodhisattva statue housed at the Shanxi Museum in north China. /CFP
A file photo shows the Bodhisattva statue housed at the Shanxi Museum in north China. /CFP

A file photo shows the Bodhisattva statue housed at the Shanxi Museum in north China. /CFP

This Bodhisattva statue stands 62 centimeters tall and 18 centimeters wide, carved from sandstone with exquisite craftsmanship. The statue displays a graceful "S"-shaped posture, with its hair styled in a knot. Its face is plump, with fine eyebrows and phoenix-shaped eyes, presenting a dignified beauty.

The upper body of the statue is bare, revealing smooth, rounded shoulders and arms, while a sash drapes over the left shoulder. The lower body is adorned with a light, flowing skirt, with the folds carved as if in motion, capturing the elegance of Tang Dynasty stone sculptures.

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