Hebei: Buddha Pentad

CHINA, Hebei; Northern Qi dynasty

The sculpture was discovered in Hebei and depicts a Buddha with four attendant figures. The Buddha stands on an inverted lotus pedestal, wearing a monastic robe that covers both shoulders. Similarly robed disciples with round nimbuses and their palms joined in reverence stand to either side. Taller Bodhisattvas, with petal-shaped nimbuses, stand beyond the disciples. The figures hold attributes in their hands and wear headdresses, jewelry, and sacred threads.
The group is backed by a large mandorla where a pagoda is located at its apex and supported by dragons. Rows of apsaras descend down the sides. A mountain censer is inset into the base and guarded by tigers. Two donors, now missing their heads, stand at the very edges of the base.
The main highlight on the reverse side is an ogee niche with Maitreya located inside. The Buddha sits with legs pendent and is flanked by the trunks of dragon trees that arch above to form a canopy. Two disciples stand further out, their palms held in reverence. Numerous smaller niches cover the surface above the main niche, each niche containing a seated Buddha inside. Four larger niches are located along the base, each with a seated figure holding an offering.