Chinese Stone Buddhist Stele

A seated Buddha under a pointed arch, two attendants on each side and a frieze of tiny faces above.

This Buddhist stele comes from Hebei Province, China, and dates to the 19th century. It is Qing Zhou stone. Buddhist steles in China often gather the Buddha, his attendants and guardians into one carved scene, a format with roots going back many centuries. The central figure sits with one hand raised in a deep arched niche, flanked by four standing attendants. A row of small figures fills the arc above. Below, a narrow frieze shows seated figures and guardians. The pale stone is weathered smooth at the edges. It is 17 inches wide and 31 high.

Crowded, orderly and entirely at peace.