Sudhana Kumāra (a.k.a. Sun Chai) is an acolyte of Avalokitasvara (a.k.a. Kwun Yam; the Chinese goddess of mercy). Though the inscription on this plaque names the Hall of Sun Chai, it is not known from which temple it came. LOCATION This plaque is held in a private collection. Sudhana Kumāra plaque – in private collection (photo courtesy Janis Wilton) TRANSCRIPTION 善財童子殿 沐恩弟子 鄭☐ 鄭☐ 敬送 TRANSLATION Hall of Sudhana Kumāra. Respectfully given by Thy favoured followers Cheng … and Cheng … WHERE WAS THIS OBJECT USED? The answer to this question is not yet known. The given names of its donors are not readable in the image, but their surname is 鄭 “Cheng”. This same surname is predominant amongst the donors to Tingha’s 1883 Howell Road temple who are identified elsewhere on this website. However, the reference in the primary inscription to a hall dedicated to this deity appears to be inconsistent with the fact that Tingha’s 1883 Howell Road temple only comprised two rooms. A hall dedicated to Sudhana...Read More
A temple bell that, at some stage, became a church bell. It is not known in which temple this bell was used. LOCATION Grounds of St Andrew’s Church, Tingha Temple bell – at St Andrew’s Church, Tingha (IMG_4240, 14.7.19) This is a continually evolving website, and more information about this object will be published as further research is conducted. Objects gallery view Objects list viewRead More
This canister was used to hold the chim sticks, or fortune sticks, that were used in divination rituals at temples. It is a match for Chim sticker canister 2, which is at Inverell Pioneer Village. The two canisters may have been from the same temple in Tingha. LOCATION Private collection Chim stick canister 1 – Private collection (IMG_6486, 14.4.21) Objects Gallery View Objects list viewRead More
