Amitabha Altarpiece, Sui Dynasty

WHO: Buddha Amitabha (Amitou) in his pure land, Sukhavati, with two Bodhisattvas
WHAT: Bronze Altarpiece
WHEN: Sui Dynasty, dated 593 (late sixth century)
WHY: Commissioned by "eight women of the Fan clan to ensure the rebirth of their ancestors and children in the pure land" (Leidy, 89).
HOW: Bronze Casting in Sui style