Qigxin: Portable Shrine with Prophecy of Dipamkara Buddha

CHINA, Xinjiang, Bayingolin

This left side panel of a portable shrine was carved in high relief with three registers. The upper register has a depiction of the Prophecy of Dipamkara Buddha that Sakyamuni Buddha would attain enlightenment in a hundred kalpas. Dipamkara is shown standing on the right with a usnisa and nimbus. The upper body is bare with a sturdy build, broad shoulders, and a slender waist. A dhoti is wrapped around the lower body, and the right hand is placed in front of the chest, while the left is held down with the palm facing forward. An attendant on the left is smaller and holds a canopy. The middle register shows Dipamkara standing on a lotus pedestal, accompanied by three figures to the right. Two have palms joined, while the third is bowing down before the Buddha. The lower register has a standing Buddha on the left wearing a robe covering both shoulders, and two kneeling figures with palms joined on the right.