Marble figure of Amitabha, Lord of the Western Paradise
Medium:Carved marble
Geography: Reportedly from Pingding Xian, Shanxi province, China
Date: late 6th Century
Period: Northern Qi-Sui dynasty
Dimensions:268.6 x 100 x 80 cm
Object number: 923.18.13
Credit Line: The George Crofts Collection
Gallery Location:Matthews Family Court of Chinese Sculpture
DescriptionAmitabha, the Lord of the Western Paradise, has always been the most ardently venerated Buddha in China. This sculpture, which was once coloured, is typical of the late sixth-century style in its purity and refined linear detail. The base is engraved with the names of many donors who contributed to costs of the sculpture, and in doing so, achieved merit for a better rebirth.