Buddharupas found in the area of Guanzhong with Changan at the center differ from other Buddhist art from the Northern Wei dynasty. The styles in the area were diverse, which formed a distinct central Northern Wei style with influences from Pingcheng and Luoyang, while also consisting diverse stylistic regional elements from the area of Guanzhong. Distinct features showcasing tight textile patterns are commonly observed on the Buddharupas found in Shanxi from the Northern dynasties (with both Buddhist and Taoist statues or models discovered). This stylistic trend was popular throughout the first half of the 6th century, spanning from the late Northern Wei dynasty to Western Wei dynasty. This particular style likely originated in the area of Guanzhong and also directly influenced the art found in grottos and other individual statues or models found in the northern region of Shanxi. The style was also later introduced in Shanbei, Longdong, and southern Ningxia. The trend lasted throughout the first half of the 6th century, but did not go on to influence epochal styles observed in northern regions. This paper includes studies on the formation, distribution, origin, and sense of ethnic belonging related to the Buddharupa styles found in the region. The diverse Buddharupa expressions found in Shanxi from the late Northern Wei dynasty indicate that local followers of the religion were able to freely select from a wide array of sculptural styles based on their own preferences. Furthermore, it also shows that regional styles also adapted to local people’s preferences for sculptural art.
