Stele of a Standing Buddha

534-550 C.E.

Its dome-like cranial bump (ushnisha), stylized drapery, and elaborately decorated halo suggest that this Buddha was made during the brief reign of the Eastern Wei dynasty in northeastern China. The Buddha makes two hand gestures, or mudras: the hand pointing downward means “your wish is granted,” whereas the hand pointing upward (now partially broken) means “do not be afraid.”