Smiling Bodhisattva

Liao Dynasty
Huayan Si, Datong

This Bodhisattva in the Sutra Hall has been widely adopted as the symbol of Datong, not least because of her appealing smile with its parted lips and visible teeth. The slender, 2m (6.5ft) tall figure is praised by Li Song as "particularly beautiful... a masterpiece of sculpture." (Chinese Sculpture, p. 376)

The sculptures in this hall are made using painted and gilded dry lacquer over a clay core (Chinese Sculpture, p. 376)