Pala Blackstone Votive Stupa Base Fragment

Origin: IndiaCirca: 10th Century AD to 11th Century ADDimensions: 8" Height x 11.25" Width (20.5 cm x 29 cm) excluding baseMedium: Blackstone This intriguing architectural element is actually part of a fragment from a large Stupa base. It is adorned with four columned niches inside of which we can find four of the five transcendent Buddhas, positioned specularly to a central axis. From left to right in the padmasana position we find each of the four buddhas presenting a different mudra: Akshobhya with bhumisparsha mudra, Vairocana with dharmacakra mudra, Amitabha with dhyana mudra and Ratnasambhava with varada mudra. Each Buddha is seated atop a cushion featuring a diamond hex design and in between turned, pilastered arches crowned with rosettes.