Standing Buddha

CHINA; Northern Wei dynasty

The Buddha wears a monastic robe that leaves the right shoulder bare. The robe’s raised folds curve across the upper body, then divides to emphasize the shape of the legs. The right hand is raised in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra while the other hand hangs downwards and appears to be steadying the fall of the robe. These stylistic characteristics are reminiscent of the Indian Mathura style. The rippling effect of the robe on the right is reflected by the flame motif of the mandorla, although the design has been dulled over time. It encloses a double-rimmed aureole that has an additional, more closely worked flaming tip, and intersects with the radiating nimbus.