Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

Sculptures from Quyang, Hebei

During the autumn of 1953, Tang Wen-Gou, a farmer in Quyang, unearthed many white marble Buddha while digging out a cellar in his yard. After this story was picked up by the papers, it immediately caught the attention of high ranking officials in the Ministry of Culture. Two excavation projects were carried out between the autumn of 1953 and the spring of 1954, unearthing over 2,200 pieces of white marble statues. These statues were likely destroyed and then buried. According to the inscriptions on the statues, these carvings date from the late Northern Wei dynasty to the middle of the Tang dynasty, matching up with the time that Buddhism was developing and thriving in China. Most of these unearthed pieces of sculpture are small and likely represent offerings from local folk or nearby temples. The timeless elegance of the Wei dynasty, the robust beauty of the Northern Qi, and the vivid liveliness of the Tang can all be seen in the styles of these statues, reflecting the different aesthetics of the different periods.

The inscriptions on the statues provide valuable information regarding the development and evolution of Buddhism in the Hebei province from the 6th to 8th centuries. They also serve as important evidence in determining the dates of inscription-less statues from other provinces. Thus, these statues hold immense scientific-research and artistic value.

After years of its being lost overseas, Venerable Master HsingYun has donated the Sakyamuni Buddha’s head to the Hebei Museum, reuniting and completing the statue that was commissioned by Gao Rui, Prince of Zhao during the Northern Qi dynasty. Not only is this a huge contribution to the museum but it also has sparked a partnership between Fo Guang Shan and the museum. It has been over 60 years since the artifacts of Xiude Pagoda were unearthed, and the site is now renowned at home and abroad. This art exhibition, jointly organized by both parties, not only promulgates Buddhist culture but also promotes cultural interaction across the Taiwan Strait. LiuJinhu, a Quyang stone-carvingcraftsman, is an expert of traditional Buddhist stone carving methods and has, in an expression of goodwill and generosity, put forth great effort to restore the Buddha statue. Liu worked with Hebei Museum and Fo Guang Shan to see this project to completion.

Overcoming years of repeated robbery and theft, the completed statue reflects China and Taiwan’s shared heritage. It also displays the artistic heritage of Quyang. We hope this exhibition can serve as a springboard for future cooperation in promoting Chinese cultural heritage.
Such is our common connection to awakening.