Existing comment:
League of Extraordinary Gentlewomen
From the first century BCE through the present day, women have played important roles as patrons of Buddhist art. Sixteen women, including several members of the Chinese imperial court, sponsored the creation of this buddha attended by two bodhisattvas. The women's names are written on the front of the pedestal, along with the date of their gift in 597. Because the women acted collectively, this altarpiece likely went to a public institution, such as a monastery |