A Preliminary Research In The "Peach-Shaped Objects" Held By Bodhisattva Figures In Medieval China

From the Northern and Southern Dynasties to the Tang Dynasty,we often see many Bodhisattvas statues holding "peach-shaped objects".Previous research is very important.Foreign scholar Diana P.Rowan pointed out its connection with the fan images from Kucha in the Western Regions and ancient India.However,Japanese scholars such as Qian Qiuyi,Feitian Lumei,and domestic scholars such as Ran Wanli,Li Jingjie and Zhang Cong,believed that the peach-shaped objects are Cinta-mani,jade rings,scriptures,Vajra and so on.Through further observation of images and documents,the author thinks that the peach-shaped object still differs from them and cannot be equated.In this paper,the main changes of the peach-shaped objects form and their development and spreading track in the single statues in grottoes and temples are sorted out,with the carefully combed images and relevant documents.It is found that the holder is attendant Bodhisattvas mostly,and the themes of the middle deities are rich,which does not necessarily exist with a specific deity.The author tried to trace its western origin,and found that peach-shaped objects can be derived from a kind of unique peach-shaped fan in ancient India.As an important ceremonial object,it often appeared in the hands of waiters,being spread to Chinese central plains through Gandhara and Kucha areas.