Seated Bodhisattva with Ankles Crossed in Niche

This piece of stone is topped by an onion dome-shaped arch, and was hollowed into a niche form. A bodhisattva with an ovoid-face and a large crown is carved into the center of the niche, with hands joined in front of the chest. The legs are crossed at the ankles. Offertory bodhisattvas appear on both sides of the central image, kneeling with their hands clasped in prayer, while two lions flank the central image, both turning to look at that image. The back surface of the stone is carved with the large, abstract form of a tree, flanked by a pair of bodhisattvas each seated in a pensive pose with one ankle resting on their knee and a hand held to cheek. The youthful demeanor of these three figures on front and back and the skillful execution of the composition reveals the superb sculptural sensibilities of the maker of this work.