Maijishan Grotto 4: Apsaras

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Northern Zhou dynasty

In Grotto 4, which dates to the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581), the delicate murals above the seven Buddha niches portray seven groups of apsaras, each carved in bas-relief and occupying an area of nearly 6 sq m. The groups above Niches 1, 3, 5, and 7 show apsaras playing various musical instruments. The remaining groups portray apsaras making offerings of flowers and incense. The bas-relief of the face, limbs, and other features of the apsaras were formed by the removal of one or more fine sedimentary layers. Paint was then applied to portray the dress, sash, headdress, floating clouds, and flowers. The round faces of the apsaras have small eyes, long eyebrows, and extended earlobes. The curved lips form a smile.