A buddha, probably Amitābha, flanked by bodhisattvas and attendants

Buddhism received support at almost all levels of society during the first 150 years of the Tang dynasty; however, many temples and artworks created during this period were destroyed during the Buddhist persecutions of the late Tang. Surviving paintings, architecture, and sculpture made of perishable materials are rare, but some traces can be found in Japan, where more artwork and structures of the same period have survived. Small-scale gilded bronze objects also allow valuable insight into the magnificence of this sculptural tradition.

Although there is no inscribed identification, the Buddha of the altar set is probably Amitābha, judging from his mudra and gesture. However, the iconography of the two accompanying bodhisattvas (the moon and sun discs in their respective hands) suggests that the central deity would be Bhaiṣajyaguru, the "Healing Buddha". A close examination very strongly suggests that the two bodhisattvas and at least one of the attendants are additions from another altar to make this set looks complete by a dealer or collector.