Jiuquan: Stupa

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Liang Kingdom

The sculpture was discovered in Jiuquan. Only the bottom portion of the pagoda remains, but the figures shown on the pagoda are similar to statues found in the Mogao Caves from the Northern Liang (397–439) and Northern Wei (386–534) dynasties. The top two sections are carved with shallow arched niches that have flame patterned lintels. The upper section is sculpted with seven seated Buddhas and a Maitreya with legs crossed at the ankles. Below the upper niches are eight more figures, of which six are Buddhas in monastic robes while the two others are Bodhisattvas. One Bodhisattva is in contemplation, with the left foot pendent and the right foot crossed on the knee, while the other is seated with legs crossed at the ankles.
The round base is engraved with a section from the Ekottara Agama but only half of the text is legible. The inscription dates the sculpture to 434 and states that it was commissioned by Bai Shuangqie.