Standing Buddha

CHINA; Northern Qi dynasty

The triad consists of a standing Buddha in high relief accompanied by two Bodhisattvas incised upon the surrounding mandorla. The mandorla’s outer rim is filled with flames in the lower part, with a Buddha seated on a lotus throne at the top and heavenly beings flying down the sides. A radiating nimbus about the Buddha’s head is at the center, surrounded by a wide rim decorated with twining floral motifs.
The Buddha’s head has a high usnisa over stylized curls in the cap-like hair. A monastic robe covers both shoulders and opens at the front to reveal an inner robe knotted across the chest. Deep folds flow downwards to where the lower robe flares out in a series of ruched pleats reminiscent of Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). This work is an example of early sculptures from Qingzhou, Shandong, displaying delicate features of late Northern Wei and Eastern Wei (534–550) dynasties.