---
title: Wei Dynasty Buddhist Stele
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9512/wei-dynasty-buddhist-stele/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Wei Dynasty Buddhist Stele

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Wei Dynasty Buddhist Stele](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/9512.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/9512.jpg)

## Image Caption

This stele is carved with representations of events in the Lotus [Sutra](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sutra/), one of the most important texts in early Chinese [Buddhism](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/). The Lotus Sutra is reconstructed as a magnificent drama, during which the historical [Buddha](https://www.worldhistory.org/Siddhartha_Gautama/) Shakyamuni is revealed as truly eternal and cosmic. The front of the stele shows Buddha preaching on vulture peak, accompanied by bodhisattvas. On the reverse, Shakyamuni is shown seated with Prabhutaratna, a Buddha of the distant past, who magnificently appears to verify the excellence of teaching. [China](https://www.worldhistory.org/china/) had a long tradition of carving commemorative steles inscribed with the names and deeds of their donors. Often, such texts were inscribed with pious texts from the Confucian or [Buddhist](https://www.worldhistory.org/buddhism/) canon. Alternatively, as here, the stele might be carved with figures and also inscribed. From modern-day China. Six Dynasties period, Eastern Wei Dynasty, 535 CE. (The British Museum, London).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2018, December 12). Wei Dynasty Buddhist Stele. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9512/wei-dynasty-buddhist-stele/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Wei Dynasty Buddhist Stele." *World History Encyclopedia*, December 12, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9512/wei-dynasty-buddhist-stele/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Wei Dynasty Buddhist Stele." *World History Encyclopedia*, 12 Dec 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9512/wei-dynasty-buddhist-stele/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 12 December 2018. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.