A Chinese Tradition
LEAD: To The Living Section:
To The Living Section:
Apparently there are several ver sions as to the origin of butter sculp ture in China  [ 'In Butter Sculptures, Monks Honor Tradition,' Feb. 15 ] . While researching a book about Chi na, I read that the art began in 641 (quite a bit earlier than 1409 as writ ten in the article).
As reported in the November 1988 issue of 'Women in China,' a month ly Beijing publication, butter sculp ture was first created in ancient Chi na when Princess Wen Cheng married a Tibetan king. The princess brought with her a statue of Buddha. To show respect, a bouquet of butter flowers was placed in front of the statue, establishing the custom of but ter carving. At first the carvings were simple and crude, but with time they have become extraordinarily detailed. NINA SIMONDS  Salem, Mass.