Dorothy C. Wong

A stunning text that introduces the role Chinese and Buddhist steles have played in the history of religion in China. Exceedingly well-written and easy-to-understand with beautifully illustrated examples that are not only relevant but enable readers to explore for themselves the details and motifs of Chinese steles.

Professor Wong first introduces Chinese steles, describing their roots in marking spaces, as well as the various shapes and purposes steles served. Although a Chinese art form since the 1C CE, they then proved to be a valuable vehicle in the 5-6C for early Buddhist societies (yiyi) seeking a platform to express their devotion. Examples from Dunhuang, Maijishan, Luoyang, Datong, and other Buddhist centres illustrate the regional variations and emergence of Mahayana Buddhist motifs.

This is not a text for the lay reader but a very valuable reference work for any student interested in Chinese and/or Buddhist art. Wong has studied hundreds of steles and shares her findings generously throughout, giving us dates for the popularity of the "10,000 Buddha motif" (late 5C, early 6C), when the familiar Buddhist triads depicted began to enlarge to 5, 7, and 9 figures (mid-6C on), when the 'dual Buddhas' (Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna) begin to appear together as described in the 11th chapter of the Lotus Sutra (470s), etc.

There are hundreds of volumes on Chinese paintings, sculpture, jade, gardens, furniture, but few that cover as thoroughly yet simply, professionally and eloquently their subject matter, as this excellent volume.… (más)