Zhangzi: Standing Bodhisattva
Limestone
Zhangzi: Standing Bodhisattva
CHINA, Shanxi, Changzhi; Northern Qi dynasty
The Bodhisattva stands on an inverted lotus pedestal with hands in the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. A cloth hangs down behind the head from the tall headdress. A wide stole worn across the shoulders hangs over the arms and falls down the body, while the folds of the skirt ruffle about the ankles.
The mandorla consists of a lotus nimbus and an aureole which are both framed with vine-like patterns. Similar decorations are often seen on other mandorlas from the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577). The edge of the mandorla is decorated with flame motifs. The back of the mandorla has carvings of the Thousand Buddhas. An inscription on the base states the statue was dedicated by Magistrate Wei Man, the eldest son of General Taoguan, in 552.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture St-Z, page 1438.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Lovelock, Yann and Chou, Yuan and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Sculpture St-Z},
pages = 1438,
title = {{Zhangzi: Standing Bodhisattva}},
volume = 13,
year = {2016}}