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Rawak Stupa: Buddha Reliefs
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Rawak Stupa: Buddha Reliefs
CHINA, Xinjiang, Hotan; circa 2nd–3rd century; Clay; Hotan Cultural Museum, Xinjiang, China
These reliefs were excavated from Rawak Stupa and are believed to have originally decorated the mandorlas of two larger Buddhas that were seated next to each other. The figures are similar in appearance, each with their own nimbus and hands in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. They wear monastic robes that cover both shoulders, with the corner of the garment draped over the left shoulder. The thick folds are reminiscent of the Gandhara style. The early dating is based on observing typical features of the time, such as the wavy hair, the wide opened eyes, the lack of an urna between the eyebrows, and the stiffness in the mudra and clothing. |
