Section of a Buddhist Pagoda
Tang dynasty (A.D. 618–907), dated 724
Medium
Limestone
Dimensions
66 × 43.2 × 41.9 cm (26 × 17 × 16 1/2 in.)
Classification
stone
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
33997
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
These two stone slabs originally formed the first story of a miniature Buddhist pagoda, which was elevated on a tiered base. Many such pagodas, usually standing seven or nine stories tall, are preserved from the eighth century in northern China. Now separated for display, these slabs were once tightly aligned to form one chamber whose interior was visible only though a canopied doorway cut into the front slab. Dynamic guardians, flying apsaras (heavenly beings), writhing dragons, and an ogre ma...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...