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Stele
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Stele
CHINA; Tang dynasty (618–907), dated 677; Sandstone; H: 146 cm; Nezu Museum, Tokyo, Japan
The niche at the top consists of an ogee arch with an inset Buddha triad. The Buddha sits cross-legged on a Sumeru lotus throne with right hand in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. Attendant Bodhisattvas with palms joined in reverence stand facing outwards on either side. Their lotus pedestals are outgrowths from the central throne.
A five-lined inscription dates the stele to 677, but the section with the donor 's name is missing. The rest of the inscription, which covers the front face below, the right side and back of the stele, consists of the Universal Gateway Chapter " from the Lotus Sutra." |
