Guangzhai Temple Seven Jewel Tower: Amitabha Buddha Triad Niche

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Wu Zhou period

An inscription on the niche dates it to 703 and identifies the Buddha as Amitabha. It was commissioned by Li Chengsi, most likely one of the figures paying homage on the corners of the base, for the benefit of his parents.
Amitabha sits in full lotus position on a deep lotus throne. The figure wears monastic robes and most likely makes the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with the right hand, while the left hand rests in the lap. The Bodhisattvas wear ornamented coronets and the have topknots. The figure on the right, holding a vase and a whisk, has a seated Buddha in front of the headdress. All three figures have a petal-shaped nimbus, while the Buddha has an extra circular nimbus. A tasseled canopy with apsaras floating to either side is carved into the lintel above the three figures.