stela. 400s-500s. Gift of Dr. Michael Sze. 2007.8896.

height: 44 in, 111.7600 cm; width: 26 in, 66.0400 cm; depth: 7 in, 17.7800 cm

Arts of Asia

Arts of Asia

Shakyamuni Triad
400–500s, Northern Wei dynasty (386–534)
China
Stone
Gift of Dr. Michael Sze
2007.8896

This triad stela dates from a period when Buddhist imagery had just started to develop a unique Chinese style. In the center isShakyamuni Buddha, flanked by the bodhisattvas Manjusri (in Chinese, Wenshu) and Samantabhadra (in Chinese, Puxian), a very popular grouping in China from the fifth to eighth centuries. Beginning in the fifth century, Buddhist art in China incorporated many local elements. Although the snail-shell curls in the hair were based on an Indian style, the Buddha’s facial expression and the drapery on this stela are different from earlier imitations of Gandharan styles.

Collection of Dr. Michael Sze, Denver, CO; Gifted to the Denver Art Museum, 2007