 |
Yungang Grotto 5: Buddha Niches
|
| |
|
Yungang Grotto 5: Buddha Niches
CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty (386–534); Stone
Situated between the entrance and window on the front (south) wall are two rows of Buddha niches, with eight niches per row. Each contains a 1.03 m high seated Buddha who forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with one hand and the varada (wish-granting) mudra with the other hand. The niches on the upper row are arch-shaped with Buddhas carved on the lintels, while those on the lower row are trapezoidal and decorated with lotus or honeysuckle patterns. The Buddhas within the niches are identical, with high usnisas and wearing a wide-sleeved, loose monastic robe tied at the waist. Additional smaller figures have been carved between the upper niches, with red drapery suspended above them. |
