Artwork preview

Emperor Xiaowen and his entourage worshipping the Buddha

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The rectangular stone relief depicts Emperor Xiaowen and his entourage worshipping the Buddha. The relief features a group of people carved into its surface. The figures are carved in a line, facing forward. Most of the figures wear long robes with folds carved into the fabric. The figure at far left stands apart from the group, smaller than the rest. Two figures to the right of the central figure wear headdresses. Behind the central group are two fans. The relief's color is a shade of brown. The top of the relief appears to have broken off unevenly. The relief casts a shadow on a gray background.

Artwork details

Date:
ca. 522–23
Medium:
Limestone with traces of pigment
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
600 × 450 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette