Yunnan Grotto Statue Art Local Characteristics And Causes Of Test

In this thesis, the author tried to reveal the coherent principle underlying the diverse deities in Jianchuan Grotto by analyzing the stylistic inheritance of the sculptures of these gods. Among these deities are Buddha, Bodhisattvas, Acuoye Bodhisattva, Kings of Nanzhao, etc.. Acuoye Bodhisattva in Nanzhao Kingdom(a semi-independent kingdom in 5th-7th century) shares some stylistic characteristics with Bodhisattva in South and Southeast Asia, while differs from Bodhisattva in China in the Tang Dynasty. What factors did contribute to these similarities and distinctions? Buddhist sculptures are not only shaped by the Buddhist sutras, but also formed by some secular forces, for example, politics. Acuoye Bodhisattva is a tutelary god to ensure the continuity in the Nanzhao kingship. At the start of the Nanzhao Dynasty, a powerful and popular god from foreign religion which is distinct from local gods met the needs of the newly established kingdom to legitimize its ruling. The setup of a new religion and the start of the worship of a new god reinforce the ruling of the new Nanzhao king.Mahakala is one of the eight guardians of the law who is not wildly worshiped in China, whereas enjoy great popularity among Bai Nationalities. The sculpture of Mahakala in Dali shares a prototype with Mahakala in Nepal, Kashmir and Tibet, but was transformed to a simplified one without the delicate features indicating the identity of Great Time. The transformation of Mahakala in Dali reveals the change in the belief he represents. Rather than the god of time and destruction, Mahakala has been changed into a tutelary god of Bai Nationalities and the original belief of Mahakala has been replaced by the worship of local heroes who assuming the appearance of Mahakala. Besides Buddha and Bodhisattvas, there are kings of Nanzhao and the god of procreation in indigenous religion worshiped in the pantheon of Nanzhao Grotto. Xinuluo, the first king of Nanzhao Kingdom who not only was elevated to a god but also enjoyed the highest position in the hierarchy of local gods earned a position in this pantheon. Due to ardent belief of procreation god, she is worshiped here with other gods with alien origins.Jianchuan Grotto is like a pantheon with gods from diverse origins, which reflects the conflicts between foreign and local religion. Acuoye Bodhisattva who represents the winning of foreign Buddhist religion with help from political forces, and Mahakala indicates the compromise between the two. Nanzhao kings and the god of procreation were included because of the ardent believes from local people.