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Digital tools safeguard Longmen Grottoes. China
https://news.azibaza.com/digital-tools-safeguard-longmen-grottoes-china/

Zenkoji’s hidden Buddha mystery. Japan
https://news.azibaza.com/zenkojis-hidden-buddha-mystery-japan/

Luoyang Buddha’s smile endures 1,500 years – azibaza's blog

At the Luoyang Museum in Henan Province, a fragment of history continues to captivate visitors: the serene half‑face of a clay Buddha statue dating back some 1,500 years.

The piece, from the Northern Wei Dynasty, was excavated at the foundation site of Yongning Temple in Luoyang. Though only part of the face survives, the gently upturned lips still convey a quiet smile, a reminder of the timeless power of expression.

Standing 24.5 centimetres tall, the reconstructed fragment was pieced together from two surviving sections. Archaeologists believe the contours of the lips were shaped using a single‑stroke sculpting technique, a hallmark of artistry from the era.

Experts estimate that if the statue had remained intact, the full face would have measured 40 to 50 centimetres, while the complete figure could have reached three metres in height. That scale suggests it may once have been the largest Buddha image at Yongning Temple, a site central to Buddhist life during the Northern Wei period.

For visitors today, the fragment is more than an archaeological treasure. It is a glimpse into the spiritual and artistic traditions of ancient China, where sculptors sought to embody compassion and serenity in clay. The smile, though weathered by centuries, continues to resonate as a universal symbol of peace.

The Luoyang Museum regards the statue as one of its most treasured artefacts, preserving not only the artistry of the Northern Wei but also the enduring human impulse to communicate through expression. In the quiet curve of the lips, the past still speaks—reminding us that some emotions transcend time and culture.

Ancient Buddha statues found in Chachoengsao, Thailand – azibaza's blog

A remarkable discovery has been made at Wat Laem Tai in Chachoengsao province, where dozens of ancient Buddha statues have been unearthed beneath the base of a century‑old stupa.

The find came on 24 May as workers began restoring the cracked and leaning structure, which locals feared might collapse. Excavation revealed hidden chambers beneath the stupa, each containing statues crafted from brass, silver, wood and gilded materials, believed to date back more than 100 years to the early Rattanakosin period.

Abbot Phra Khru Thammathorn Jamlong Rojanathammo explained that the stupa likely originated during the reigns of King Rama III or IV. While Wat Laem Tai itself was formally established in 1933, elderly residents recall the stupa standing long before the temple was founded. Historical experts, including 88‑year‑old Phra Thammapariyatmuni, have confirmed the artefacts’ age and distinctive craftsmanship.

The statues have now been moved to safe storage within the temple grounds, with plans to clean and preserve them for display in a dedicated museum. The abbot stressed that the relics will not be offered for rent or sale, describing them as sacred property of the temple and a spiritual anchor for the community.

Local residents have flocked to the site since news broke, many expressing deep reverence at seeing the relics uncovered. Some admitted to seeking auspicious numbers from the statues, hoping for luck in upcoming lottery draws.

The discovery has sparked renewed interest in the temple’s history, with scholars noting similarities between the stupa’s design and that of nearby Wat Pitulathiraj Rangsarit, suggesting they may have been built by the same craftsmen. For the community, however, the find is less about architectural lineage and more about reconnecting with a living heritage.

As restoration continues, Wat Laem Tai plans to open its museum to the public, offering visitors the chance to pay respects and learn about the region’s Buddhist past. For many, the unearthed statues are not only relics of faith but also a reminder of the enduring cultural roots that still shape everyday life in Chachoengsao.