Northern Wei Dynasty Statues in Zibo

Northern Wei Dynasty Statues in Zibo

The stone Buddha statues and temple were originally built in 520 AD (the first year of the Zhengguang era during the reign of Emperor Xiaoming of the Northern Wei Dynasty). The temple has been in ruins for many years, with only two stone Buddha statues remaining, situated on an earthen platform at the site of the former temple. The platform is 1.5 meters high, 15 meters long from north to south, and 20 meters wide from east to west. The two statues are spaced 12 meters apart, arranged from east to west, both facing south and seated cross-legged on a Sumeru pedestal with a lotus base, each standing 2 meters tall. They have spiral-shaped hair buns, wear monk's robes with the right shoulder exposed, inner kasayas, bare feet, and display the gestures of fearlessness and granting wishes. The lotus pedestal features relief carvings of muscular figures. There is damage to the hands, faces, and Sumeru pedestals.

Shandong Province, Zibo City