Ximing Temple: Stele

CHINA, Henan, Xinxiang; Northern Wei dynasty

The stele was carved from a single block of stone and is considered one of the better quality works from the late Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). It was listed as a National Cultural Heritage in 2006.
The stele rests on an inverted lotus platform. The front features a triad of standing figures in which Amitabha Buddha is accompanied by smaller Bodhisattvas. All three figures have slender physiques. A petal shaped mandorla surrounds them, decorated with delicately carved bas-reliefs of Buddhas, apsaras and dragons.
Amitabha’s right hand is raised in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra while the left hand holds a round object. The Bodhisattva Mahasthamaprapta is located on the left with hands in anjali (reverence) mudra, while Avalokitesvara carries a lotus in one hand and a vase in the other. Both Bodhisattavs are standing on a lotus pedestal supported on the back of a lion.
There is a bas-relief of a Buddha seated on an elevated lotus throne and flanked by Bodhisattvas on the reverse side. The triad is set in a forest landscape through which devotees advance to pay their respects. The names of benefactors are inscribed on all four sides of the projecting base.