This archaic altar is based on the Greco-Buddhist style of the Gandhara region in Northwest India. These were brought to China by Indian monks teaching Buddhism. The archaic Chinese statues have very solid figures and beatific smiles, not unlike archaic Greek statues. Many of these characteristics continued during the politically divided era of the Six Dynasties (3rd to 6th centuries CE), and into the Tang Dynasty. (FLG)

The Future Buddha Maitreya stands on a lotus base, suggesting that he is in heaven. Images of Buddha Shakyamuni show him in the world where he either sits or stands on a simple throne. The right hand is raised in the "abhaya mudra," a gesture of protection and reassurance. The left hand holds a flask of water. Maitreya, a Boddhisatva, was popular in Chinese Buddhism, in part because relics were not associated with him, as with Buddha Shakyamuni.