C. 386-534 AD. Northern Wei Dynasty. A rectangular painted brick with a buddha within an arched recess. Buddha sits cross-legged, backed by a halo, and wearing a rich red robe with black and green trimmings. His right is raised at shoulder height, with the arm bent and the palm facing outward to form the Abhaya Mudra or Gesture of Fearlessness. Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha made this sacred hand gesture immediately after gaining enlightenment. Another story records that the Buddha was about to be attacked by a mad elephant, which charged at the Buddha and his followers. The Buddha is said to have stood calmly, raising his hand in this gesture of fearlessness. In response, the elephant stopped, became calm, and then approached the Buddha and bowed its head. The Northern Wei dynasty ruled northern China from c. 386 to 534 AD, and its most famous achievement was unifying a large empire following a long period social and political turbulence. However, craftsmen working under this dynasty were also responsible for beautiful works of art, as this object exemplifies. Excellent condition. Size: L:310mm / W:158mm ; 8.34kg; Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s;