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Buddha Triad
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Buddha Triad
CHINA; Northern Qi dynasty (550–577), dated 558; Commissioned by Fazhao; Marble; H: 120.3 cm; Shandong Provincial Museum, Jinan, China
This stele depicts a Buddha accompanied by two Bodhisattvas with a large mandorla as a background. The Buddha stands on a lotus pedestal and forms the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. The Buddha's usnisa is flat and he wears a monastic robe that covers both shoulders. The two Bodhisattvas wear three-leaf crowns and long flowing robes. They hold lotuses or vases.
The mandorla is plain apart from six apsaras and a stupa with a pair of dragons. The mountain censer featured on the base is flanked by Dharma protecting lions. An inscription on the back states the stele was dedicated in 558 by monk Fazao and others. |
