Qing dynasty, circa: early 19th century
H. 16 in.(40m), W. 10 in.(25cm), D. 2 in.(5cm)
Condition: excellent!
The
inscription reads: Single
heartedly devoted to Buddha Our family in whole, both big and small Honorably
made for our ancestors Our parents, and seven generations of descendants Signed,
Buddha disciple Yin Jung on a spring moon of 1849* On the 18th day of 42 years
of age Great Tang Magic Dragon Yuan (the
date could be alternatively translated as 1609, 1669, 1728, 1789)
An
antique Shakyamuni marble stele, where inscribed on its back side lies a lengthy
dedication honoring Buddha and the family for which this piece was carved. Pictured,
the Buddha sits on a tiered pedestal, flanked by two bodhisattvas holding lotus
flowers. At the base of the pedestal, two lohans hold flames. The Buddha’s hands
display two mudras, his right in a no fear mudra while his left is engaged in
the ‘earth pressing’ mudra, indicating his instance of enlightenment as witnessed
by the earth goddess Sthavara. A flaming halo surrounds his head, while expressions
of grace, skillfully rendered, lie on all five of the figure’s faces. A beautiful
and original piece in very good condition.