Statue

Statue of Guanyin made of grey limestone of heroic size standing on a lotus pedestal. The pedestal is supported by a square stone block covered on three sides with inscriptions in which the date corresponding to Decemeber 2, 706 CE is given. The figure is small waisted with a sunken chest and flowing scarves and jewelled chains. There is a tall ushnisa on the head in front of which is seated Amitabha Buddha. There is an urna represented by a small flat disc in relief. The statue has very long ear lobes with heavey earrings. Guanyin (Chinese) or Avalokitesvara (Sanskrit) is the bodhisattva of compassion. He is most easily identified by the seated Buddha in his headdress and typically holds a vase which contains an elixir for immortality. One side of the base bears an inscription carved by the monk Zhengdao.