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Xiude Temple: Bodhisattvas in Contemplation
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Xiude Temple: Bodhisattvas in Contemplation
CHINA, Hebei, Baoding; Northern Qi dynasty (550–577), dated 576; Commissioned by Zou Wenju; Marble; H: 31 cm; Hebei Provincial Museum, Shijiazhuang, China
The sculpture was excavated from Xiude Temple. The Bodhisattvas in contemplation sit side by side in symmetrically mirrored positions with one leg pendent and the other crossed on the knee. Their nimbuses interlock and the composition is contained within a damaged mandorla. Twin dragon blossom trees with trunks in the form of dragons that support blossoms on which a devotee kneels in reverence are on either side. There is an incense burner on the base flanked by lions. The inscriptions on the side and back dates the work to 576 and a family of four brothers and sisters; Zou Wenju, Zou Wenpi, Zou Jingteng, and Zou Erong as the donors. |
