Longxing Temple: Buddha Triad

CHINA, Shandong, Qingzhou; Eastern Wei dynasty

A Buddha is united with two Bodhisattvas within a single mandorla, the top section of which is damaged. All three figures stand upon inverted lotus pedestals. The Buddha wears a low-collared monastic robe that covers both shoulders. The headdresses of the Bodhisattvas are largely missing but the ribbons from them can be seen hanging down the sides of the head. They wear many-layered robes over which are looped long beaded ornaments. The Bodhisattva on the left holds a lotus bud and a vase while the one on the right holds a lotus bud and a jewel.
The Buddha’s nimbus consists of a bas-relief lotus surrounded by concentric circles and vine-like motifs above an aureole that is similarly presented. Both Bodhisattvas also have nimbuses and above them there are bas reliefs of small Buddhas sitting on a lotus in meditation.
Figures of monks are illustrated on the sides of the backscreen, with only two remaining on each side. An inscription at the bottom dates the artwork to 536 and identifies the nun Zhiming from Zhanghejian Temple as the donor.