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Longmen Grotto 140: Head of a Bodhisattva
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Longmen Grotto 140: Head of a Bodhisattva
CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Northern Wei dynasty (386–534); Stone; H: 92 cm; Osaka Municipal Museum of Art, Japan
This head of a Bodhisattva was removed from the Maitreya Buddha Triad on the south wall of Grotto 140, one of three grottoes known as the Binyang Grottoes.
The Bodhisattva has a cylindrical topknot embellished with floral garland. The hair around the forehead is plaited in a neat, even fringe. The Bodhisattva’s eyes are long and slender with high arched brows that are clearly defined. The small mouth curves upward to form a pleasing smile. The fine, precise sculpture style is characteristic of the late Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). |
