Chinese Buddhist Sculpture

Chinese Buddhist sculpture is a key component of Buddhist art, reflecting both religious devotion and centuries of artistic evolution in China. Ranging from small statuettes to monumental works, these sculptures carry significant aesthetic and cultural value and exert a strong influence on museum exhibitions and art markets.

Buddhism was introduced to China from India around 2,000 years ago and gradually integrated into local culture, giving rise to diverse Buddhist art. These sculptures reflect cultural exchanges and the fusion of Chinese aesthetics and regional beliefs, resulting in distinctive styles.

As Buddhism spread, the art form incorporated indigenous aesthetics. From the 4th century through the Tang Dynasty (618–907), clay figures began to show Chinese physical characteristics and became a more accessible medium.