Stele of Sulaiman

The Stele of Sulaiman is a stone monument within the Mogao Caves complex, featuring inscriptions and carved images that reflect medieval Chinese sculptural methods and Buddhist religious symbolism. The piece measures roughly 140 by 61 centimeters and displays a central carved figure of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.

This stone was created in 1348 during the Yuan Dynasty to honor Prince Sulaiman of Xining and other patrons who supported a Buddhist temple. The period marked a time when such religious monuments continued to play an important role in temple complexes.

The stone displays the Buddhist mantra Om mani padme hum written in six different scripts, showing how various writing traditions met and mixed along the Silk Road.

The stone is housed at the Dunhuang Academy and can be viewed as part of a visit to the Mogao Caves complex. It is advisable to check ahead whether the stele is on display at the location you are planning to visit.

French explorer Charles Eudes Bonin first documented this stone during his expedition to western China between 1898 and 1900. His records helped preserve knowledge about this monument and its role in the Mogao region.

Inception: 1348

GPS coordinates: 40.03700,94.80400

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08