Longxing Temple: Standing Buddha

CHINA, Shandong, Qingzhou; Northern Qi dynasty

This long-bodied statue lacks a head, feet, and right arm. Enough of the left hand remains to suggest that it was held downwards most likely in varada (wish-granting) mudra. The monastic robe leaves the right shoulder bare and is so indistinct that only certain elements such as the hemline, incised designs and the folds over the wrist make it apparent. It is cut in the field-pattern style and each oblong segment depict images of mountains, palace buildings, human figures, and animals. Artwork from the Qingzhou region is normally painted, as was this example, but little remains of the paint.