A carved stone Buddhist votive stele, probably Tang Dynasty (618-907), carved in relief depicting Buddha Shakyamuni dressed in robes and seated in dhyanasana, with legs overhanging the rectangular base, flanked by a pair of crowned Bodhisattvas on raised lotus petal bases, all before a floral and flame motif mandorla and within an arched niche, the lower plinth carved with two shishi and Buddhist emblem, height 23cm.  Provenance - Purchased in the early 20th Century by the current vendor's grandfather who was travelling in China and South East Asia during this time. The Stele has been in the family since this period and thence by descent.

Condition report
Remnants of small areas of pigment throughout, noticeable at the lower plinth. No major structural condition issues, just wear and rubbing to the relief areas. Extensive scratching to the back of the plinth. Small shallow chip to the back of the niche. front lower right corner, has a small old shallow loss to the corner.

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