 |
Tianlongshan Cave 21: Seated Buddha
|
| |
|
Tianlongshan Cave 21: Seated Buddha
CHINA, Shanxi, Taiyuan; Tang dynasty (618–907), dated 713–741; Stone; H: 1.1 m; Harvard Art Museums, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
The back (north), east, and west walls of the cave have three niches, each originally housed a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas. The main statues have either been damaged or removed from the cave.
The back wall only shows the remains of a petal-shaped nimbus and mandorla, while the statue is now preserved in the Harvard Art Museums. The Buddha has a round face, broad shoulders, and a slim waist. A monastic robe, fitting snugly to the body, crosses the left shoulder. The figure originally sat on a Sumeru throne with the hem of the robe hanging down in front. Both of the hands and the suspended hem have been lost. |
