Image of Confucius

Dacheng Dian
Confucius Temple, Qufu

Naturally, the main image in Confucius' memorial temple represents the Sage himself. It is not a likeness, however, since no authentic image of Confucius has come down to us from the time when he lived. The statue is wearing a traditional emperor's crown with its flat brim and tassels, to indicate the high honor and imperial rank with which Confucius had eventually been invested, centuries after his death. It was the ultimate posthumous vindication for a thinker, teacher, and would-be statesman who was ignored by the warring states' rulers during his lifetime and received no official appointments.

The altar is flanked by chime and bell sets, always an important part of Confucian ritual. The Sage advocated "rectifying the rites," that is performing them correctly as the ancestors did to obtain Heaven's blessings for the kingdom.