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Wanfo Temple: Pair of Standing Bodhisattvas
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Wanfo Temple: Pair of Standing Bodhisattvas
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Wanfo Temple: Pair of Standing Bodhisattvas
CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Southern Liang dynasty (502–557); Stone; H: 121 cm; Sichuan Museum, Chengdu, China
The stele was excavated from the site of Wanfo Temple in 1954. Most of the top part is damaged but enough remains to identify it as featuring two Bodhisattvas with the figure on the left holding a whisk. Both figures stand upon lotuses growing from a large vase at the bottom that is guarded by a pair of lions. Next to the lions are Heavenly Kings with peach-shaped nimbuses. A mountain censer is carved in low relief along the base of the stele with dancers lined on either side.
A bas-relief depicting the Western Pure Land covers the back of the stele with mountainous scenery in the foreground. The overall design is unique because such compositions are rarely seen. |
