Twin Buddhas carved in stone niche from Shanxi

This Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) round arch stone niche depicts Buddhas Shakyamuni and Prabhutaratna seated side-by-side, expounding the Dharma together.

Shakyamuni (left): Left hand makes the wish-granting (varada) mudra, and right hand the fear-not (abhaya) mudra.

Prabhutaratna (right): Left hand makes the wish-granting mudra, with his right hand extended toward Shakyamuni.

Both Buddhas are seated in the lotus posture on a low platform base, their robes flowing naturally over the pedestal in finely carved folds. Their high, rounded ushnishas and elegant countenances reflect the refined artistry of the era.

Currently, this treasure is housed in the Qinxian County Nannieshui Stone Carving Museum in Shanxi province.