The group of sculptures from the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD), at the Jinci Temple's Shengmu Dian (Hall of the saint mother), in Shanxi province, is one of the temple's best offerings. The sculptures consist of a statue of Yi Jiang, the wife of King Wu of the Zhou (founder of the Western Zhou Dynasty, 1046-771 BC), and 42 statutes of maids, with various facial expressions and of different ages and ranks. In the middle of the Shengmu Dian, the statue of Yi Jiang looks solemn, elegant, and dignified. These sculptures provide a vivid depiction of Song characteristics and dress.(Photo/Xinhua)
