Wanfo Temple: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and Attendants

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Southern Liang dynasty

The sculpture was discovered at the site of Wanfo Temple. The whole composition is separated into three ledges. Avalokitesvara stands on the top ledge with the right hand most likely in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra and prayer beads held in the left hand. Four attendant Bodhisattvas flank the central figure on either side with four disciples standing behind them. The middle ledge supports two warriors and two lions, each with their own handler. The front ledge has a row of eight heavenly beings, who are either playing musical instruments or dancing. On the far ends are elephants.
Dharma protectors are carved along the side of the sculpture, holding vajras or swords. A relief of a seated Buddha is located on the reverse side. He is flanked by donors with an inscription located at the bottom. The inscription dates the artwork to 548 and states that it was dedicated by the monastic Aiqin for deceased family members.