Polychrome
The technique of painting a sculpture or building in many colors.
What is it?
Polychrome means "many colors." Artists use paint to add color to sculptures, making them look more realistic or decorative. The Guanyin statue you captured was originally painted in bright colors, though some have faded. In Chinese Buddhist art, polychrome was used to make statues look lifelike and to show the richness of the spiritual world.
Why it matters
Many ancient sculptures were originally painted, but the paint often wears off over time. Knowing about polychrome helps you imagine how colorful these artworks once were.
Where you've seen it
This list grows as you capture more polychrome sculptures.