Shanxi: Stele

CHINA, Shanxi; Northern Wei dynasty

Only three of the four sides on this stele is significant. Dragons encircle the upper sections of the niches at the top on both the front and back of the stele. The standing Buddhas in the niches are flanked by attendants. The middle section shows a seated Buddha with Bodhisattvas, while below this are relief illustrations from the Vimalakirti Sutra and inscriptions at the bottom.
The middle section on the back depicts Maitreya seated with pendent legs, flanked by two Dharma protectors. Two dragon flower trees are located above Maitreya with heavenly beings and a canopy. The sides of the stele are decorated with two niches, one above the other that features either a seated Buddha or Bodhisattva. A bas-relief of a Bodhisattva in contemplation is at the center and below that is an inscription stating that 26 benefactors donated the stele.