Sù Huì (Sculpting and Painting)
The craft of sculpting or painting divine and Buddhist statues, where 'sù' refers to sculpting and 'huì' to painting.
Sù Huì refers to the craft of sculpting or painting divine and Buddhist statues. In traditional beliefs, the appearance of divine statues is governed by specific norms and symbolic meanings, making sù huì not just an artistic creation but also a religious activity. Artisans often select an auspicious day before commencing work and follow specific rituals and taboos to ensure the finished product can embody the divine majesty. Once completed, the statues typically require a consecration ceremony (kāiguāng) before they can be formally enshrined. While modern standardized production exists, significant statues are still frequently crafted by hand by artisans, with a strong emphasis on their sacred nature.