Dimensions: Height 19 cm Wide 14 cm Depth 10 cm

Weight: 1700 grams

This finely carved marble figure represents a seated Buddha in meditation, rendered in a stylistically restrained yet spiritually expressive manner characteristic of the Northern Qi period.

The Buddha is shown in vajrasana (full-lotus position). The body is enveloped in a robe with gently cascading folds that hug the contours of the torso and limbs, revealing the figure’s quiet monumentality. The serene facial features—full cheeks, almond-shaped eyes beneath arched brows, and a softly closed mouth—convey the inward focus of deep spiritual contemplation. The hair is swept up into a topknot (ushnisha) with a smooth, spiraled finish, and the earlobes are elongated in keeping with traditional iconography. Traces of calcified earth are retained across the surface, lending a rich archaeological texture to the cool white stone.

Though modest in size, the sculpture embodies the stylistic transition from the earlier Northern Wei austerity to the softer, more humanized forms of the Northern Qi period. The subtly modeled volume, naturalism in posture, and overall harmonious proportions reflect the refinement and devotional piety of Buddhist art during this brief yet culturally rich dynasty.

– Similar stylistic treatment to figures excavated from the Longxing Temple site, Hebei province.