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Xumishan Grotto 1: Medicine Buddha
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Xumishan Grotto 1: Medicine Buddha
CHINA, Ningxia, Guyuan; Tang dynasty (618–907); Stone; H:4.85 m
Xumishan Grotto 1 is situated in the Dafolou (Big Buddha Building) area, in the southern section of the grottoes. An open rectangular niche with a flat ceiling is found on the north wall. Inside the niche is a statue of the Medicine Buddha standing on a lotus pedestal. The Buddha is dressed in a red monastic robe and has curled hair along with an urna, a round face, straight nose, fine eyebrows and eyes, expansive shoulders, and a robust body. The left hand holds a medicine bowl in front of the chest, while the right hand probably forms the vitarka (teaching) mudra. There are remnants of a nimbus and the Thousand Buddhas on the wall of the niche.
The skill of the artist is evident in the simple and natural folds of the robe, which impart a sense of movement. This is an exemplary statue of the Xumishan Grottoes that dates from the Tang dynasty (618–907). |
