Dipamkara, Sakyamuni, Maitreya, and Samantabhadra

CHINA; Western Wei dynasty

The four-sided niche features Sakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Bodhisattva, Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, and Dipamkara Buddha. Sakyamuni Buddha is at the front, and shown sitting on a raised lotus throne. Disciples, attendant Bodhisattvas, and two Dharma protecting lions flank the Buddha. A curtained canopy rises above the figures. The pedestal includes a mountain censer in the center with figures making offerings and Dharma protectors Maitreya and Samantabhadra are on the sides of the base. Maitreya is seated with legs pendent while Samantabhadra rides a lion. The artwork utilizes a variety of carving techniques, including high relief for the main figures, bas-relief on the pedestal and sunk relief for the decorative canopy. An inscription on the side and back dates the sculpture to 551 and states that it was commissioned by Ai Yun to pray for the emperor, past parents, and current family members.