Shijiazhuang: Bodhisattvas in Contemplation

CHINA, Hebei, Shijiazhuang; Northern Qi dynasty

This sculpture depicts two symmetrical Bodhisattvas sitting side by side in the contemplative position. The dragons that are wounded around the trunks identify the dragon blossom trees flanking them. Leafy branches meet overhead to complete a niche. Two Bodhisattvas stand on either side of the central figures, their appearances almost symmetrical. Both Bodhisattvas have hands in what are probably the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. All four figures in the center have nimbuses.
A small seated Buddha and two disciples are located above the main figures. They are surrounded by floating apsaras who hold a long sash that descends from the mouths of dragons on either side of a floating pagoda. The figures form an openwork design enclosed within an arching mandorla.
Along the base are low reliefs of a mountain censer guarded by lions and warriors. The reverse side of the base shows an inscription that dates the work to 570, and identifies the Jia brothers as the commissioners of the sculpture for their parents.