Buddhist statues in Tianlong Temple, Buddhist statues at Tianlong Temple in Hangzhou, China.
Buddhist statues in Tianlong Temple are limestone sculptures depicting Buddha and Bodhisattvas with carved facial features and traditional Chinese clothing patterns. These works occupy different areas of the temple complex and can be viewed from various vantage points throughout the grounds.
These statues were created during the Tang Dynasty by artisans who merged Indian artistic influences with Chinese sculptural techniques. The works reveal how Buddhist art was adopted and adapted to local traditions during this transformative period.
The statues represent different Buddhist deities and show how faith was practiced in medieval Chinese communities. You can see from the figures which roles different Buddhas and Bodhisattvas held in people's daily prayers and spiritual life.
Visitors can enter the grounds and view the statues up close, with most works protected from the elements by coverings or architectural shelters. Comfortable walking shoes are helpful since you will need to move between different areas of the complex.
Each statue displays different meditation poses and hand gestures, known as mudras, which convey specific Buddhist teachings. These subtle differences in body positioning were an important part of how believers understood different spiritual paths.
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