Stele with Shakyamuni and Maitreya

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Cleveland Museum of Art “Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, radiates serenity as he extends his hands in gestures of courage and generosity. Flanking him are two bodhisattvas and two disciples, standing steadfast against a majestic mandorla adorned with a stupa and celestial beings in flight. On the reverse side, the Buddha sits contemplatively, his head tilted in deep thought, meditating beneath twin sala trees. This enigmatic pose is reserved for Shakyamuni's first meditation or Maitreya's profound introspection. The joint appearance of Shakyamuni and Maitreya on two sides of this stele was a recurring motif of the Northern Qi period.”