The Northern Qi Buddhas betray a strong influence from Indian Buddhist Sculptures, especially that of the typically sensual Gupta period (4th-6th centuries). The robes of the Buddha cling to the body like a piece of wet/diaphanous cloth, revealing the form beneath. This naturalistic style can be seen on Northern Qi Buddhist images as well. However, the features of the Buddha had become fully sinicised by then. Buddhist sculpture of the Northern Qi period fully embodied the meaning of enlightenment as seen in the serene expression of the Buddha and the overall fluidity of lines of the form.

History of the Object

Traces of the red pigment used to paint the squares on the monks robe can still be seen on the sculpture. This sculpture probably came from Qingzhou, modern day Shandong.