Clay Sculptures of Arhats at Zijin Nunnery

Clay Sculptures of Arhats at Zijin Nunnery

The Clay Sculptures of Arhats at Zijin Nunnery are a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Clay Sculptures of Arhats at Zijin Nunnery are located in Dongmao Wu, Dongshan Mountain on East Dongting Lake, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province.

Originally built in the Tang Dynasty and renovated in the Qing Dynasty, although the main structures consist of just a single hall and a chamber, they are renowned for the vivid and lifelike clay arhat sculptures crafted by the famous Southern Song Dynasty folk sculptors, Mr. and Mrs. Chao, described as “ethereal in spirit, seemingly ready to step to life.” At the front of the main hall sit Sakyamuni Buddha, Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, and Amitabha Buddha, all enthroned on lotus pedestals; Kasyapa and Ananda stand attendant on either side; the Guanyin of the Island stands behind the “Three Ages of Buddhas”; and the sixteen uniquely featured arhats are arranged in niches along both sides of the hall.

The clay sculptures of the arhats are exquisitely shaped, with well-proportioned bodies, dynamic postures, and distinct facial features. Some are in deep thought, some pretending to sleep, some smirking, and others lost in melancholy—all rendered with remarkable vividness and lifelike detail. The “Long-Eyebrow” arhat has a kind and blessed expression; the “Wine-Tasting” arhat, having sampled all kinds of liquor, appears drunk; the “Tiger-Taming” arhat, though aged, possesses boundless spiritual power—just by beckoning with a hand, the fierce, dappled tiger submits tamely at his feet; while the “Knee-Embracing” arhat exudes arrogance, considering taming a tiger mere child’s play.

On the right wall, three arhats gaze simultaneously at the dragon atop the pillar. The “Dragon-Subduing” arhat, with wide eyes and tightly pressed lips, sits barefoot with his shoes placed on the pedestal, his right palm raised in a gesture of “inviting” the dragon down, while his left hand rests on his bent knee, his expression stern yet composed, radiating confidence. Beside him, the “Admiring” arhat spreads his hands and purses his lips in utter awe of the “Dragon-Subduing” arhat’s supernatural skill; while the “Disdainful” arhat crosses his legs, turns his head away, and wears an expression of utter contempt. The “Scripture-Listening” arhat is the most devout, intently focused on the Buddha’s teachings, unperturbed by the strife around him. The “Contemplative” arhat exudes a unique charm, his lowered gaze fixed intently ahead, his spirit of deep inquiry truly admirable. Though the sculptor created figures of the Buddhist arhat realm, they are imbued with the warmth and complexity of worldly life, as if living among us. The arhats’ robes are layered with naturalistic drapery, their folds flowing organically to convey texture. Over 800 years ago, the artisans masterfully blended realism with spiritual expression, demonstrating the exceptional sophistication of 12th-century Chinese sculpture.

Behind the hall lies the Jingyin Chamber, built from nanmu wood. In front of the chamber, osmanthus blooms and magnolia fragrances fill the air, while outside, pines and bamboos stand tall and peach and plum blossoms vie in beauty—truly as the Qing poet Gu Chao described: “The most secluded spot in the mountains, this place takes the lead. Deep green bamboo brings no summer heat, the clear pond holds a small heaven.”

In 2006, the Clay Sculptures of Arhats at Zijin Nunnery, as ancient structures from the Song to Ming Dynasties, were included in the sixth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units by the State Council.

Dongshan Town: Located southwest of Suzhou, 37 kilometers from the ancient city of Suzhou, Dongshan Town is a radiant pearl on the shores of Taihu Lake. Covering a total area of 96.55 square kilometers, the town governs 13 villages (communities) with a permanent population of 54,000. Surrounded by water on three sides, Dongshan enjoys a pleasant climate and abundant natural resources. Known as a famous mountain of flowers and fruit, and a land of fish and rice, it is honored as the “Hometown of Biluochun Tea” and the “Hometown of Taihu Crabs.” Biluochun tea, White Sand loquats, Black Purple bayberries, Taihu hairy crabs, a variety of premium vegetables, and valuable Taihu aquatic products are available year-round—“each season brings fruit, every month sees flowers…” More details about Dongshan Town ++

Further Reading:

· First and Second Batch of Jiangsu Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Sixth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units