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Xiude Temple: Bodhisattva in Contemplation
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Xiude Temple: Bodhisattva in Contemplation
CHINA, Hebei, Baoding; Eastern Wei dynasty (534–550), dated 540; Commissioned by Zhi Guangshou; Marble; H: 59.5 cm; Palace Museum, Beijing, China
The statue was excavated from the site of Xiude Temple in 1954. The Bodhisattva wears a high lotus crown with the head framed by a plain nimbus. The upper body of the figure tilts slightly forward with eyes closed.
The figure is seated in the relaxation posture, with right leg resting on the left knee and a finger placed gently on the jaw. The right hand holds a lotus and the lower left arm is missing but the left hand still rests on the right foot. A damaged stole floats outward from the body, accentuating the figure 's slim build. An inscription on the inverted lotus pedestal dates the statue to 540 and naming Zhi Guangshou as the donor. |
