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North Cave Temple Cave 165: Seven Buddhas
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North Cave Temple Cave 165: Seven Buddhas
CHINA, Gansu, Qingyang; Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), dated 509; Stone; H: 8 m (Buddha)
These seven Buddhas stand along the three inner walls, three on the back (east) wall and two on both the north and south walls. The Buddhas all have usnisas and round faces. Short and robust in stature, each is depicted holding the right hand in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra and the left hand in the varada (wish-granting) mudra. The figures stand barefoot upon a low platform that runs around the perimeter of the chamber. Small attendant Bodhisattvas, measuring 3 m to 4 m in height, are on either side of each Buddha. Their unassuming portrayal is characteristic of the art of the northern tribes. |
