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Stupa
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Stupa
CHINA; Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), dated 435; Commissioned by Suo Ahou; Steatite; H: 16.9 cm; Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio, USA
The circular stupa consists of three sections: an octagonal incised base, an inscribed circular midsection, and a niched inverted bowl. A male or female figure holding a lotus in their right hand occupies each face of the base. The figures have nimbuses and are draped with stoles.
The circular midsection has a 37-line inscription, including an excerpt from Chapter 46 of the Ekottara Agama, and a dedication that states the stupa was commissioned by Suo Ahou in 435. The bowl-shaped upper segment is carved with eight rounded niches incised with ogee arches. Each of the niches contains an image carved in high relief. Seven of the carved figures are Buddhas seated cross-legged with hands in dhyana (meditation) mudra, and one is a Bodhisattva with ankles crossed. |
