Baisikou Twin Pagodas: Altar

CHINA, Ningxia, Yinchuan; Western Xia period

This wooden Buddhist altar was recovered from the Baisikou Twin Pagodas in 1986.
The altar is 58.5 cm long, 40.5 cm wide, and 32.5 cm high. The top of the table is plain with simple lines forming a border. The front and rear faces are carved in openwork with similar patterns. Each face is divided into three registers: the lower register carved with four cloud motifs projecting downward, the middle register divided into two rectangular panels with carvings of peonies, and the upper register divided into three square panels also containing peonies. At the top of the legs, there are attachments of clouds and scrolling vines with a peony. The table is painted in red with parts outlined in gold.
With its rich carving and coloring, this altar is an exquisite example of Buddhist artifacts, indicating the thriving of Buddhism during the Western Xia period (1032–1227).