Catalog of Collected Clay Sculptures of Maitreya Buddha in the Qing and Ming Dynasties

Author: Li Liguo (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2004-01-01
Features: Last year, Liguo published the book Illustrated Catalogue of Antique Collectibles, which received excellent reviews from readers. Now, he has released a new work, Illustrated Catalogue of Qing and Republican Period Clay Buddha Statues, which complements his previous book. Liguo and I once worked at the same media outlet and later served as the executive deputy editors of influential economic and cultural publications. During the early days of reform, he actively engaged in the business world, achieving remarkable success. As both a businessman and a scholar, he collects antiques and compiles collections, which can be seen as a unique and meaningful endeavor. It is truly a wonderful thing. Thanks to the recommendation of Tao Hongyu, the former executive deputy editor of Sichuan News Photo Weekly, Liguo kindly asked me to write the preface, and I readily agreed. However, to preface such a masterpiece with my humble words and to use this opportunity to express my thoughts—lest it turn into a story that dishonors the Bodhisattva Maitreya—would be a great fortune.
Clay Buddha statues, as representatives of promoting Buddhist teachings, are also an important category of collectibles passed down through generations, enjoying a reputation for being revered in ordinary households. Their artistic styles and expressive techniques have been refined by the fire of craftsmanship, making them deeply loved by people. However, during the ten-year catastrophe of the "Cultural Revolution," few Qing and Republican period clay Buddha statues survived, with fine and rare pieces becoming as rare as phoenix feathers and qinxiang flowers. Those crafted by renowned artists are even more precious.
This book, as a specialized collection of Qing and Republican period clay Buddha statues, aims to the gaps left by time and play its due role in the inheritance, introduction, research, collection, and appreciation of these works.