This limestone and polychrome stele was crafted in the eastern region of the Shaanxi Province of China during the late Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534 CE). The artwork is not portable due to its immense weight; however, it signifies Buddhism’s status as a swift, missionary religion through its rapid gain of traction amongst Northern Wei people in the late 5th and early 6th centuries. 

Just prior to the time of this stele’s creation, the Northern Wei court began a period of extensive reform by constructing a new imperial capital at Luoyang in 494 CE, solidifying the foreign Tuoba Wei rulers’ adoption of Chinese cultural and political institutions. Northern Wei emperor Xiaowen’s political initiatives influenced the Chinese representation of Buddha and created a more robust narrative for worship and religious conversion to Buddhism. Buddhist steles during this period existed primarily in cave temples, namely the Yünkang caves-temples, located near Datong in modern-day Shanxi province, which is adjacent to the east of Shaanxi province; as well as the Longmen cave-temples, located near Luoyang in modern-day Henan province. Seated Buddha With Attending Bodhisattvas may have been placed in one of these cave temples, designated as a center of worship. 

This stele is emblematic of Buddhist theocracy, as Buddhist teachings and principles were woven into the fabric of governance for the Northern Wei during the period this statue was created. Monks often acted as advisors to the court, influencing decisions on statecraft and diplomacy. The dynasty saw itself as the protector of the Buddhist faith, sponsored numerous artistic projects, and endorsed Buddhism’s moral teachings to promote social harmony and order. Cross-cultural connections outside of China are also present in the stele, as shown through conventional and enduring iconographic traits that transcend time and space. Seated Buddha With Attending Bodhisattvas demonstrates how, as a theocracy, Buddhism formed a central hub between differing Asian countries like India and China.

Calahan McPherson, Class of 2025, College of the Holy Cross