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Buddha Dipankara (Randengfo)

dated 495
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 206
The inscription on the back of this stele identifies the large Buddha depicted on the front as Dipankara, who is said to have lived before the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. He is attended by four rows of patrons wearing the clothing of the Xianbei, the non-Han peoples who established the Northern Wei dynasty in northern China in the fourth century. The smaller figure standing below the Buddha’s left hand may represent the young Sumedha, who was destined to become the historical Buddha in another lifetime. This large sculpture’s imagery is intended to illustrate the possibility of enlightenment in a future life. In Buddhism, the achievement of this advanced spiritual state is the goal of all practitioners.

The central figure with crossed ankles on the back of the stele recalls similar figures in the collection from the Yungang cave temple complex. This is probably Maitreya, the future Buddha, whose worship became widespread in the fifth and sixth centuries.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 北魏 石雕燃燈佛像
  • Title: Buddha Dipankara (Randengfo)
  • Period: Northern Wei dynasty (386–534)
  • Date: dated 495
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Sandstone
  • Dimensions: H. 127 in. (322.6 cm); W. 75 in. (190.5 cm); D. 28 in. (71.1 cm); H. with base: 137 in. (348 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: The Sackler Collections, Purchase, The Sackler Fund, 1965
  • Object Number: 65.29.3
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 7443. Stele with Buddha Dipankara (Randeng), Part 1

7443. Stele with Buddha Dipankara (Randeng), Part 1

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More Artwork

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Bodhisattva (Maitreya) with crossed ankles, Sandstone with traces of pigment, China
Bodhisattva (Maitreya) with crossed ankles
China
ca. 470–80
Buddha Maitreya (Mile), Gilt bronze with traces of pigment; piece-mold cast, China
Buddha Maitreya (Mile)
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dated 486 (10th year of Taihe reign)
Tree Spirit Deity (Yakshi), Red sandstone, India (Uttar Pradesh, Mathura region)
Tree Spirit Deity (Yakshi)
India (Uttar Pradesh, Mathura region)
1st–2nd century
Standing Buddha Offering Protection, Red sandstone, India (Uttar Pradesh, Mathura)
Standing Buddha Offering Protection
India (Uttar Pradesh, Mathura)
late 5th century
Crowned Bodhisattva, Sandstone, North India (Uttar Pradesh, Mathura)
Crowned Bodhisattva
North India (Uttar Pradesh, Mathura)
3rd–early 4th century

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