This exquisite stele, hewn from pristine marble, beckons visitors with its ethereal presence. The scene was originally commissioned in 537 by Yuan’ning, prince of the Gaoping branch of the imperial Wei family. It serves as a memorial to his departed consort. The stele’s purpose? To guide her soul toward the Western paradise.
At its heart, a seated Buddha graces us with his serene countenance. His robe, meticulously carved, drapes in U-shaped folds and scalloped hemlines, a symphony of linear rhythms. The Buddha’s hands rest in the dhyana mudra, a gesture of meditation and inner peace.
Flanking the central Buddha, Bodhisattvas stand sentinel. Their forms echo the Buddha’s grace, their eyes fixed on the cosmic horizon. Above them, celestial beings dance amidst clouds, their presence bridging the earthly and divine realms.
The mandorla—a radiant almond-shaped halo—encircles the figures, its edges ablaze with soaring flames. These flames, reminiscent of Chinese brushstrokes, evoke enlightenment and spiritual ascent.
Traces of polychrome paints linger in the crevices, hinting at a once-vibrant palette. Imagine this stele adorned in hues of saffron, azure, and gold—the very colors that whispered of transcendence. Provenance: Primitives, Chicago 2018; Private Collection
HEIGHT: 66.25 IN (168.28 CM) WIDTH: 32.5 IN (82.55 CM) DEPTH: 11.25 IN (28.58 CM)
