The introduction of anthropomorphic imagery in Daoist Ritual

ABSTRACT Daoist ritual during the three centuries between the early Celestial Master community and the systemization of ritual and textual canon in the fifth century by Lu Xiujing was aniconic. The ritual protocols of the Celestial Master community and of the Lingbao scriptures simply had no use or place for iconic imagery. This remains the case in the Daoist compendium Wushang biyao 無上秘要, compiled at the behest of emperor Wu of the Northern Zhou in the late 570s. Yet, statues are an integral part of Daoist ritual as presented in the early seventh century ritual compendium Sandong fengdao kejie 三洞奉道科戒. Where and when did Daoist statues appear? How were they accepted and incorporated into orthodox Daoist ritual? This article traces the introduction of statues and iconic imagery into Daoist ritual and the changes in ritual practice entailed by the use of iconic imagery.