Stele with Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratua


China

Wei Dynasty
(518 A.D.)

gilt bronze

height - 25 cm


"The group represents the mystical conversation between Prabhutaratua and the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. This elegant piece displays the mature style of the Wei period, which results from a Chinese transformation of elements from the Buddhist art of Central Asia. Characteristic of the developed Wei style are the subtle play of the drapery and the stylised flames of the two halos, as well as the slender, graceful figures with their 'archaic' smile." (from "The Oriental World")