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Xuchang: Stele
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Xuchang: Stele
CHINA, Henan, Xuchang; Northern Qi dynasty (550–577), dated 559; Commissioned by Zhang Dangui; Stone; H: 108 cm; Henan Provincial Museum, Zhengzhou, China
The stele was discovered in Xiangcheng county, Xucheng, in 1957. Twin dragons overhang the curved top of the stele, incorporating a curtained niche housing a seated Buddha flanked by Bodhisattvas. The register below the Buddha depicts a scene from the Vimalakirti Sutra where Manjusri is seated under a canopy on the left and Vimalakirti on the right with several figures standing in between. The next register down shows an ogee niche, where Sakyamuni Buddha teaches to an audience of Bodhisattvas, disciples and Heavenly Kings. The very bottom register depicts a mountain censer flanked by child attendants and lions. |
