Stele

CHINA; Northern Wei dynasty

Both sides of the stele feature a niche on the upper section while the lower part is incised with images of numerous donors accompanied by their names. The donors are arranged by where they live. The front of the stele has a seated figure believed to be Vimalakirti within a pavilion. He holds a whisk in one hand and wears a belted robe. Attendants are on either side, and above him two birds are in flight.
A figure that may represent Manjusri Bodhisattva in debate with Vimalakirti is on the reverse side of the stele. The Bodhisattva is seated beneath an arch with his hands in abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras and is flanked by other Bodhisattvas. Above the tableau is a pair of flying apsaras.
The figures on this stele display the delicate features of the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). The depiction of donors beneath the central figures on both sides is typical of steles commissioned by similar groups of donors during this period.