Chongsheng Temple Qianxun Pagoda: Plaque with Buddha Triad

CHINA, Yunnan, Dali; Dali Kingdom

This round gold plaque was recovered from Qianxun Pagoda at Chongsheng Temple in 1978. It has a diameter of 8 cm and weighs 15 g. The plaque features an engraving of a Buddha triad. The Buddha has curled hair, a round face, and earlobes that extend to his shoulders. He wears a robe that covers both shoulders and is seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. An alms bowl is held in his left hand in front of his abdomen, and in his right hand is a vial of medicine held in front of his chest. These items suggest that he is the Medicine Buddha.
On the sides of the Buddha there are the Bodhisattvas, Suryaprabha and Candraprabha. They wear headdresses and stoles while holding round objects in both hands.