Formerly in the Collection of Neil F. Phillips, Esq., Q.C.

This image is typical of the late Northern Wei style of the early 6th Century, when images first became sinicised in a move away from early Gandharan or Kushana influence seen in earlier Chinese Buddhist sculpture. However, the lion throne is one of the rare features that were retained from the 4th and 5th centuries. The mature Northern Wei style was also the earliest unified style, instigated by the Toba Tartar rulers who, in a historic move, adopted Buddhism as a state religion. It is likely to be a representation of Sakyamuni Buddha, which was a prevalent image at that time, shown in the most representative seated posture of the period.

For two other larger fragments from the same caves, see The Avery Brundage Collection Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture, pls. 30 and 40.