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Northern Wei Dynasty gilded bronze pagoda-style Buddhist niche

This Northern Wei gilt bronze pagoda-style Buddhist niche is exquisitely structured and features intricate sculptures. It is divided into three layers, showcasing the superb sculptural art and profound religious connotations of the late Northern Wei period.

Inheriting history

This piece was exhibited in the "Exhibition of Chinese Art" held in Berlin, Germany in 1929. The exhibition was co-organized by the East Asian Art Association and the Prussian Academy of Arts in Berlin, and ran from January 12 to April 2, 1929. This work was numbered 244 at the time and was subsequently included in the authoritative publications of the exhibition. Its provenance is clearly traceable, making it an extremely rare early example of a work that has been circulated overseas.

Academic background and publications

This item is recorded on page 114, Figure 244 of the 1929 Berlin publication, Chinesische Kunst. Academically, its combination of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is highly similar to the image stele No. 10 in Cave 133 of the Maijishan Grottoes, reflecting the late Northern Wei Dynasty's Buddhist faith and the style of the two Buddhas seated side-by-side, possessing extremely high religious, cultural, and historical research value.

Authoritative verification

This item was authoritatively exhibited and cataloged at the "Chinese Art Exhibition" co-organized by the East Asian Art Association and the Prussian Academy of Arts in Berlin in 1929; it enjoys high recognition and authoritative endorsement in the domestic and international art markets and academic circles.

Detailed View | Northern Wei Dynasty Gilded Bronze Pagoda-Style Buddhist Shrine

The following images present detailed parts of this Buddha niche, including the face of the statue, clothing folds, gilding layer and structural features, for academic research and investment evaluation reference.

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