JOHOR BARU: Standing at about three storeys tall and weighing 42 tonnes, a massive jade relief at a Buddhist temple and education centre here has made it into both the Asia Records and Asean Records for being the first and largest of its kind.
The sculpture, stretching 36.3m across a wall and 9.8m high, features 420 sculpted 3D figures arranged across three thematic zones, blending traditional imagery with scenes from modern life, said Fo Guang Shan Hsingma Si abbess Venerable Ru Bin.
“Of these, 183 are modern people and religious figures, while 237 are Buddhas, bodhisattvas, monks and other religious figures.
“It also features 56 animals, including birds and Chinese zodiac animals, with the pig omitted out of respect for Islam, Malaysia’s official religion.
“Despite being rooted in Buddhist artistic traditions, it was deliberately given a Malaysian character,” she said.
She said more than 20 types of plants are carved into the relief, including Malaysia’s national flower, the hibiscus, as well as coconut and banana trees and fruits such as pineapples and mangosteens.
“This is not simply a large piece of artwork. There are 40 unique details and narratives within the mural and each element has its own story,” said Ru Bin.
She said the masterpiece carries themes such as education, environmental care, charity and kindness towards animals, while also incorporating contemporary elements such as sports and the centre’s mobile library initiative.
The relief, she said was carved in sections from solid white jade by artisans in China before being transported and assembled on-site in Johor Baru.
The project took about three years, from conceptualisation and carving to installation. It was completed between 2016 and 2018.
Maintaining the intricate installation is no simple task either, said Ru Bin, explaining that temporary scaffolding structures are erected once a year so cleaning can be carried out.
She said admission to the centre in Taman Sutera Utama here is free, allowing local and international visitors to explore the artwork and other facilities.
“The centre also houses galleries showcasing works by Malaysian artists and offers various activities aimed at helping the public find moments of peace and mindfulness amid their busy lives.
“Now that the relief has received regional recognition, we hope it will also draw visitors seeking a cultural experience in Johor Baru beyond its shopping and dining attractions,” she said.
