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Mahao Cliff Tomb: Seated Buddha
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Mahao Cliff Tomb: Seated Buddha
CHINA, Sichuan, Leshan; Eastern Han dynasty (25–220), dated 158–167; Stone; H: 39.5 cm
This small seated Buddha is located inside the front chamber on the lintel above the entrance to the Mahao Cliff Tomb. It is one of the earliest Buddha images in China. This cliff tomb was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1988.
Carved in bas-relief, the Buddha has a usnisa and an nimbus, and sits in full lotus position. The face is no longer distinguishable. The Buddha wears a flowing monastic robe, and probably forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with the right hand. The relief contains features of the Gandharan style. It provides important information for the study of Eastern Han dynasty (25–220) Buddhist imagery. |
