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Wanfo Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha and Attendants
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Wanfo Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha and Attendants
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Wanfo Temple: Sakyamuni Buddha and Attendants
CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Southern Liang dynasty (502–557), dated 523; Commissioned by Kang Sheng; Sandstone; H: 35.8 cm; Sichuan Museum, Chengdu, China
The work was excavated in 1954 from the site of Wanfo Temple and is one of the earliest and best examples from the Southern Liang dynasty (502–557). Inscriptions on the back detailing its history dates it to 523 and states that it was the devotee Kang Sheng who commissioned this artwork. It also identifies the Buddha as Sakyamuni.
The front side depicts the Buddha who is flanked by his attendants. Most of the figures are in high relief. The Buddha stands on an inverted lotus pedestal with hands that are slightly damaged but can be assumed to be making the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. Near his feet are Dharma protecting lions, while directly next to him are attendant Bodhisattvas, followed by disciples, more Bodhisattvas and then Heavenly Kings. The details on the remains of the mandorla is carved in bas-relief. A row of musicians are lined along the base at the bottom.
The back side of the sculpture depicts a scene in which a procession arrives to venerate the Buddha, who is seated beneath a Bodhi tree in the center. Figure dressed like an emperor and empress are located behind the Buddha. They are accompanied by their attendants. A row of donors are located at the front. The remaining space is filled with trees and mountains, with the inscription on a raised plaque beneath. |
