Iron-cast Heavenly Crown Bodhisattva Statue from the Ming Dynasty

Iron-cast Heavenly Crown Bodhisattva Statue from the Ming Dynasty

Iron-cast Heavenly Crown Bodhisattva Statue from the Ming Dynasty

The iron-cast Heavenly Crown Bodhisattva Statue (commonly known as the Thousand Saints Heavenly Crown Bodhisattva) is currently housed in Huayan Temple. It was bestowed upon Empress Renxiao, the mother of Emperor Chengzu of the Ming Dynasty, during the Yongle era. Originally numbering 1,000 statues, 947 remain today. Each statue weighs 20 kilograms and stands about 33 centimeters tall. Their postures include prayer hands, full lotus sitting, or the samadhi mudra, depicting expressions of listening to or preaching the Dharma. With varying expressions and vivid, lifelike forms, each statue is remarkably realistic, making them precious cultural relics within the temple.

The temple also preserves intact the Ming Dynasty edition of the Buddhist scripture "Yongle Northern Canon," consisting of 678 volumes and 6,780 fascicles. It was bestowed by Emperor Shenzong in the 27th year of the Wanli era (1599 AD) and is considered the temple’s most treasured treasure. This Buddhist classic is now a rare surviving version in China. Additionally, the temple houses a five-clawed golden-dragon embroidered purple robe bestowed by the imperial court during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. The originally matching golden hooks and jade rings have been lost for a long time. Fortunately, the purple robe has survived to this day, and its exquisite and delicate craftsmanship is truly breathtaking.