Shuiquan Temple: Stele

CHINA, Gansu, Pingliang; Northern Wei dynasty

The stele was discovered in Shuiquan Temple. Maitreya sits on a lion throne within a niche at the center of the stele. The figure has crossed ankles, and is accompanied by a male and female devotee with palms joined. Figures of donors stand on either side of the niche, and an inscription next to male figure states, “Offered by believer Zhang Chang.” A contemplative Maitreya, accompanied by Bodhisattvas, sits between twin dragon-blossom trees at the top of the stele with devotees kneeling at the outer edge of the stone. Additional devotees are standing below a floral frieze. Faded inscriptions are next to each figure. Scholars believe, based on the details, that this stele depicts Maitreya after rebirth in this world, which reinforces the belief that Maitreya was popular during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534).