Buddha Pentad

CHINA; Northern Qi dynasty

This sculpture is of a Buddha, two disciples and two Bodhisattvas with a mandorla as a backdrop. The Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a throne and is making the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. The Buddha wears a robe that is opened at the front. Each of the disciples and Bodhisattvas holds a Dharma instrument. The mandorla includes two trees with apsaras floating among the branches. The nimbus is ornately decorated with a filigree of vine-like designs.
There is a relief on the base consisting of a mountain censer, two lions, and a male and female figure with their attendants. Traces of pigment are still visible on the sculpture. The general style of the statue suggests it was made during the Northern Qi dynasty (550–577).