Xiaxian: Stele

CHINA, Shanxi, Yuncheng; Northern Zhou dynasty

This stele was acquired at Xiaxian county in Yuncheng. Each side of the stele features three large niches and numerous smaller ones. The large niches contain a Buddha, two disciples, and two Bodhisattvas, while the smaller ones only feature similar looking seated Buddhas. The figures display the slender forms and loose clothing often seen in sculptures from Eastern Wei (534–550) and Western Wei (535–556) dynasties. The large niches are also artistically varied and have decorative lintels, which are mostly in Western Wei style.
At the very top, the face of a gaping monster is seemingly consuming the mandorla of the figure below. The creature is flanked by lotus-born children and other beasts. The niche in the center is formed by two eel-like creatures. The niche at the bottom is enclosed by a canopy. The spaces in between each relief name the donors and the images for which they were responsible. An inscription at the bottom states that the stele was dedicated in 562 by Chen Hailong.