Longxing Temple: Buddha Triad

CHINA, Shandong, Qingzhou; Eastern Wei to Northern Qi dynasty

Despite being pieced together, this is one of the better preserved triads unearthed from Longxing Temple. The Buddha stands on a pedestal flanked by Bodhisattvas that stand on lotuses springing from the mouths of dragons coiled between them. The Buddha is dressed in monastic robes and has his hands in what is likely the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. The head of the Bodhisattva on the left is damaged but the one on the right wears a headdress with ribbons hanging down the sides and a lock of braided hair pulled over the forehead. Both wear necklaces and their robes are overhung with stoles. All three figures have painted nimbuses and the Buddha has an aureole as well.
A pagoda supported in the air by apsaras is at the top of the petal-shaped mandorla that unites the figures. Other apsaras hold musical instruments in their hands including panpipes, a pear-shaped lute, an ancient harp and a sheng (free-reed instrument). Two children kneeling on clouds with their hands raised in respect are located on the lower part of the carving.