Xi’an: Votive Tablet with Buddha and Two Attendants

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Tang dynasty

This terracotta votive tablet was excavated on the western outskirts of Xi’an. It depicts a Buddha with two attendants, encircled by scrolling vines and foliage. The Buddha has curled hair and a usnisa, but the facial features are no longer distinguishable. He has broad shoulders and wears a robe across the left shoulder. Seated with legs crossed on a Sumeru throne, he performs the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. A nimbus and a rectangular frame appear behind, both of which are outlined with double lines and beads in between. There are two miniature stupas on either side between the Buddha and his attendants whom have bare upper bodies and stand on lotus pedestals while holding whisks with one hand. Beneath the pedestal on the right, there is a guardian lion, whereas the one on the left is missing.
Below the Buddha’s throne is the Verse on Dependent Arising, which is commonly seen on the base and interior of a pagoda, or on a Buddhist sculpture. The inscription on the back includes the name of the artist.