Baozhi Statue

Like Catholicism, there are a lot of 'saints' in Buddhism, remembered for their deeds or how they reached enlightenment. And like saints, they are often depicted with attributes or poses that make them recognizable. The statue of Baozhi is among the most recognizable, as he is in the act of peeling off his own face.

This monk, or deity, is based on a 13th-century story from the tales of Uni, where a monk or saint named Baoji was among the favorites of the Chinese emperor, so much so that he decided to get his portrait done. However, this would not just be one portrait but three, as he wanted to be sure that the likeness of the monk was captured. Baoji obliged, but asked the artists to capture his real self as he pushed his nail into his forehead and cut open his skin, revealing a holy face beneath. Each of the artists saw a different face and painted it as they saw it. After they were done, the emperor was amazed and sent more artists to confirm, but Baoji was gone.

This statue is one of many in the sculpture garden, each of them made to resemble a unique Buddhist saint. Most have a small sign next to them which explains who made the statue and who paid for it.