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Tiantishan Grotto 4: Standing Bodhisattva
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Tiantishan Grotto 4: Standing Bodhisattva
CHINA, Gansu, Wuwei; Northern Liang Kingdom (397–439); H: 1.06 m; Gansu Provincial Museum, Lanzhou, China
This mural was originally found to the left of the lower niche on the right side of Grotto 4 's central pillar. Unfortunately, all the statues within the cave have been destroyed, and only portions of murals remain on the walls.
The Bodhisattva depicted in this mural has thin eyes, a prominent nose, and earrings, with features resembling those of a Central Asian. The figure wears a necklace along with a flowing stole that winds its way around the body. A nimbus is visible around the head. The left hand is raised while the right holds a vase to the side. The surface of the mural is rough and uneven, which suggests the artist used a Central Asian painting style. A dark ink was used to outline the body, while a rustic color was washed over the entire surface, giving the artwork more volume. |
