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Buddha Triad
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Buddha Triad
CHINA; Eastern Wei dynasty (534–550), dated 542; Commissioned by Jingyi; Limestone; H: 135.5 cm; Rietberg Museum, Zurich, Switzerland
The Buddha stands with hands in the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. He wears a monastic robe that covers both shoulders and is opened at the front. The figure has a distinct usnisa and a squared face with clearly defined features. The circular nimbus contains radiating lotus petals. The attendant Bodhisattvas are smaller and have a nimbus in the shape of a lotus petal. The figure on the left holds a vase and a lotus, while the one on the right has palms joined in reverence.
The mandorla is carved in low relief. The image of the Buddhas Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna seated side by side within a pagoda is visible at the apex. Eight apsaras, playing instruments, are lined down the sides of the mandorla. The lower part of the mandorla has images of Bodhisattvas sitting in contemplation.
The base features a mountain censer flanked by a monk and a kneeling figure. An inscription on the sculpture states that it was dedicated by monk Jingyi and dates it to 542. |
