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Bodhisattva in Contemplation
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Bodhisattva in Contemplation
CHINA; Northern Qi dynasty (550–577), dated 551; Commissioned by Wang Zushi; Marble; H: 56.8 cm; Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, USA
This sculpture from Quyang, Hebei, is in a style similar to works from neighboring Dingzhou. A crowned and smiling Maitreya sits in contemplation with attendant Bodhisattvas standing on either side. There is a mountain censer flanked by two lions and two Dharma protectors along the front of the pedestal.
The openwork mandorla is shaped from the branches of two trees, with six apsaras among the foliage. The sculpture dates from the peak of the Maitreya faith in China and resembles earlier portrayals from the Southern and Northern Dynasties (386-589) in which the Bodhisattva is believed to attain Buddhahood while contemplating under the dragon tree. Dragons twine around the trunks to symbolize this event. An inscription on the back of the statue states it was created in 551 with the wish that all beings may attain Buddhahood. |
