Ci Sheng Temple in Wen County
Ci Sheng Temple in Wen County is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.
Ci Sheng Temple (Yuan Dynasty)
Ci Sheng Temple in Jiaozuo
Ci Sheng Temple is located in Da Wu Village, 23 kilometers northwest of Wen County. Originally built during the Five Dynasties period, it was renovated in the fifth year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1304). The site currently retains two halls: the Mahavira Hall and the Heavenly King Hall. The Mahavira Hall has a three-bay width and six-bay depth, with a single-eave hipped-gable roof and employs the reduced-column construction method, which is a typical column arrangement style from the Yuan Dynasty. The wooden plaque shaped like the character “凤” (phoenix) hanging above the door is one of the rare treasures in China—inscribed with “Mahavira Hall,” it features a classic and dignified design and vigorous calligraphy, often referred to as “Iron Painting in the Shadows.” The hall originally had murals painted all over its interior, though only fragments remain today. On the western wall, there is a rendered ink-line drawing of palace pavilions, while on the eastern wall, there is a depiction of cityscapes and figures. The lines are neat and the figures elegant, making them treasured works of Yuan Dynasty mural art. The Heavenly King Hall is a single-eave hanging-gable roof structure, and on its western wall is a preserved colorful painting of the “Four Heavenly Kings,” which remains relatively intact. Each figure is two meters tall, holding different weapons, with bold and unrestrained lines, muscular and powerful forms, and flowing, wind-swept ribbons and garments. Their eyes are sharp and vivid, making them remarkably lifelike...
Ci Sheng Temple in Jiaozuo
On June 25, 2001, the State Council announced it as part of the fifth batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.
Further reading:
· First Batch of Henan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units
· Fifth Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units
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