 |
Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas
|
| |
|
Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas
CHINA; Northern Qi dynasty (550–577), dated 554; Commissioned by Zhang Guiqing; Gilt bronze; H: 21.5 cm; National Museum of Abruzzo, Rome, Italy
This sculpture depicts a scene mentioned in the Lotus Sutra where Prabhutaratna Buddha shares his seat with Sakyamuni who was expounding the Lotus Sutra. Both Buddhas sit with legs pendent in robes that differ a little in detail. Both figure have a circular nimbus enclosed in twin mandorlas which are incised on a larger petal-shaped back screen. The floating pagoda in which Prabhutaratna arrived is at the apex of the back panel. Flanking both figures are a pair of lions. The inscription found on the four-legged stand dates the statue to 554, and identifies Zhang Guiqing as the patron. |
