Sun Rat of Emptiness

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Clay sculptures of 28 constellations in Yuhuang Temple, Jincheng, Shanxi. They are excellent colored Taoist sculptures of the Yuan Dynasty. Figure character is subtly revealed. Sun Rat of Emptiness is one of masterpieces among them. Sun Rat of Emptiness, a goddess, is portrayed as a middle-aged woman. She is saint, elegant, kind and lenient, who has beautiful postures and facial expressions. Right hand supports a rat, and left hand makes protective gesture.

Doumuxie

Xie refers to “Xiezhi”, which is a legendary beast. According to the legend, it can judge each case on its own merits. At the sight of quarrelling people, it can knock and bite the unjustifiable party. Among clay sculptures of 28 constellations in Yuhuang Temple, “Doumuxie” is modeled into a bizarre general. He is 1.84 meters high, who wears crown. He has big ears and special beard. Red beard is seen on both sides of cheek, but the chin is smooth. With red face, he frowns and glares. A big mouth pouts. These show the majesty of heavenly god, and highlights upright, fierce and brave “Doumuxie”.

28 constellations

28 constellations refer to 28 astrological signs in the sky, i.e., Jiao, Kang, Di, Fang, Xin, Wei, Ji, Jing, Gui, Liu, Xing, Zhang, Yi, Zhen, Kui, Lou, Wei, Mao, Bi, Zi, Can, Dou, Niu, Ru, Xu, Wei, Shi and Bi. These were divided, selected and named by the ancient Chinese astrologists. In Taoism, they are called as “28 Constellation Gods” with respective appellation, clothing color and function. They are protective gods in Taoist god system.

Liu Luan

Liu Luan had another name of Liu Yuan and alias of Bingyuan, who was a sculptor in the Yuan Dynasty. He was taught by Nepalese sculptor Araniko. His artistic creation combined the Chinese and western styles to form his own school. Clay sculptures of 28 constellations in Yuhuang Temple are said to be his representative works.

Colored Taoist sculptures in Yuhuang Temple

Yuhuang Temple is located 13 km away from the east Jincheng, Shanxi. It was initially built in the 9th year of Xining Period of the Northern Song Dynasty, which was rebuilt, renovated and expanded in following dynasties. It has three compounds and ten pavilions and rooms. Here 300 statues of colored Taoist sculptures form a complete Taoist god system. Clay sculptures of 28 constellations and 12 celestial gods, placed in the west part, were made in the Yuan Dynasty. They all feature vivid shape and distinct character.