During the 10th-13th century, the Liao and the Jin dynasties successively reigned over northeastern China while the Song dynasty ruled the south. Although founded by non-Han ethnic minorities who were nomads, the Liao and Jin adopted the Han Chinese culture. Liao statues followed the Tang dynasty style; Jin statues embraced the artistry of the Song. Building on the Han tradition and the spirit of the open grassland, Liao and Jin sculpture blossomed into a style of unique pattern and color scheme.

The Liao court supported the Huayan sect, one of the major schools in Chinese Buddhism. Amidst the political turmoil of the late Tang and Five Dynasties period (10th century), Buddhism continued to thrive in the north under the Liao reign. Liao artists created Buddha statues that project strength, bravery and sincerity. In the succeeding Jin, artists further highlighted the delicate and subtle details in the Song and Liao sculpture. The period flourished with tall, elegant and calm bodhisattva images.

During the three centuries of their rule, the Liao and Jin in the north, and the late Tang and Song in the south mutually influenced one another in artistic creativity. Reflecting each other's brilliance, the distinctive works from the north and the south together have produced a splendid chapter in the history of Chinese Buddhist art.