Buddha Triad

CHINA; Eastern Wei dynasty

The Buddha is seated in the lotus position and forms the abhaya (fearlessness) and varada (wish-granting) mudras. His monastic robe covers both shoulders and is opened at the front. The folds of the garment cascade down the front of the throne in rippling folds. The Buddha has a lotus nimbus while the Bodhisattvas on either side have plain, petal-shaped nimbuses. The Bodhisattvas hold objects at the chest and wear robes that hang from the shoulders and cross at the abdomen. The two apsaras above the Buddha wear stoles that flutter in the wind. The relief carving on the base consists of a mountain censer with three devotees making offerings on either side.