Buddha Stroking the Head of a Follower, 8th C CE

Sandstone Buddha Stroking the Head of a Follower, late 8th C CE, now in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. From the object's description on artsmia.org: *"Buddhist scripture describes how Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, stroked or patted the head of disciples who had received his teachings, a practice known today in China as moding. This sandstone plaque, which may have been part of a group of plaques showing scenes from the life of the Buddha, depicts such a scene."* More information about the object here: https://collections.artsmia.org/art/31223/buddha-stroking-the-head-of-a-follower-china