Untitled

Unknown

mid- to late 7th century · Limestone with traces of pigment · Asian Art

The two bodhisattvas seen here can be identified by the symbols on their headdresses: the figure on the right is Avalokiteshvara (as indicated by the presence of a small Buddha), and the figure on the left, wearing the symbol of a vase, is Mahasthamaprapta. The latter bodhisattva, who represents wisdom, is not found as an independent icon in Buddhist texts and art. Instead, he is usually part of a triad that includes both Avalokiteshvara and the Buddha Amitabha, who is one of the three Buddhas represented on the reverse of this stele; it seems likely that the two bodhisattvas were meant to serve as their attendants

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid- to late 7th century

Medium

Limestone with traces of pigment

Culture

China (Henan province)

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1930