Beiliang Stone Pagoda Art

Author: Zhang Baoyu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Beilang (397—439) was a small regime that controlled the Hexi Corridor in the early 5th century. Beilang was renowned for its promotion of Buddhism, and the Beilang stone stupas are Buddhist artifacts carved during the Beilang period. Currently, there are fourteen extant Beilang stone stupas, which were discovered successively in the 20th century in places like Wuwei, Jiuquan, Dunhuang, and Turpan. Among them, three have been transferred outside, while eleven are preserved in museums at various levels within the country. The creation of Beilang stone stupas represents a glorious achievement in the history of Buddhist sculpture, embodying carving techniques, aesthetic concepts, and religious significance. They are an indispensable part of studying the history of art and religion.