Fengchong Temple: Stele

CHINA, Henan, Hebi; Eastern Wei dynasty

The crowded upper section of the stele has been damaged and the figure of the Buddha surrounded by a number of figures in mid-relief has been restored since its discovery in the 1920s. In the next section and divided from the upper grouping by the spreading foliage of a tree, Vimalakirti and Manjusri sit debating in two canopied pavilions surrounded by a monastic audience. The reverse of the stele is largely filled with seated images of the Thousand Buddhas. The inscription carved on the front states that the stele was created under the leadership of Li Daozan together with more than 500 villagers and that approximately ten years were required to complete it. The Indic deities Vasu and Mrgasirsa are to the right and left of the stepped base, and appear to be making offerings to a niched Buddha and his attendants. Below the deities are guardian lions on either side of a sacred mountain censer.