Collection
/
Asian Art

Stele of a Standing Buddha

534–550 C.E.

1 of 3

Object Label

Its dome-like cranial bump (ushnisha), stylized drapery, and elaborately decorated halo suggest that this Buddha was made during the brief reign of the Eastern Wei dynasty in northeastern China. The Buddha makes two hand gestures, or mudras: the hand pointing downward means “your wish is granted,” whereas the hand pointing upward (now partially broken) means “do not be afraid.”

Caption

Stele of a Standing Buddha, 534–550 C.E.. Sandstone, 53 × 23 × 8 in., 271 lb. (134.6 × 58.4 × 20.3 cm, 122.92kg). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in honor of Arnold Lehman, 2015.3. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Stele of a Standing Buddha

Date

534–550 C.E.

Dynasty

Eastern Wei Dynasty

Period

Eastern Wei Dynasty

Geography

Place made: China

Medium

Sandstone

Classification

Sculpture

Dimensions

53 × 23 × 8 in., 271 lb. (134.6 × 58.4 × 20.3 cm, 122.92kg)

Inscriptions

Painted inscription on reverse, in Chinese characters, to be read. Written in black on back: "30633, XRDXX, MX/1/1/2"

Credit Line

Gift of The Arthur M. Sackler Foundation, NYC, in honor of Arnold Lehman

Accession Number

2015.3

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