Monk Sengqie

Monk Sengqie北宋 彩繪石雕僧伽和尚像 (石灰石)

北宋 彩繪石雕僧伽和尚像 (石灰石)
Monk Sengqie

Period:Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
Date:late 11th–12th century
Culture:China
Medium:Limestone with pigment
Dimensions:H. 35 in. (88.9 cm); W. 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm); D. 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm)
Classification:Sculpture
Credit Line:Gift of Evangeline Zalstem-Zalessky, 1943

This sculpture is a rare representation of Sengqie (ca. 660–710), a monk from central Asia who founded a temple in Sizhou (modern Liuhuai, Anhui Province), on the south shore of the Huai River. Popularly known as the Monk of Sizhou, he was venerated after his death as an incarnation of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. During the Song dynasty, he became a cult figure revered for his power to prevent floods.

Provenance

Evangeline Zalstem-Zalessky , New Milford, CT (until 1943; donated to MMA)

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