Admire exquisite Ming-era Buddhist statues at Beijing's Zhihua Temple

The three Buddhist statues in the Tathagata Hall of Beijing's Zhihua Temple showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Buddhist sculpture. The central figure is a finely sculpted statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. He is accompanied by two crowned figures, whose robes feature painted patterns that simulate embroidery and finely woven textiles. The Zhihua Temple, now home to the Beijing Museum for Cultural Heritage Exchanges, was originally built in 1444. Eleven Buddhist statues at the temple were restored from 2003 to 2004, bringing these fine examples of Ming Dynasty Buddhist art back to their former splendor.