Longmen Grotto 1443: Niche

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Northern Wei dynasty

This niche is the first niche from the right on the upper tier of the north wall and was commissioned by monk Huicheng. On the niche’s arched lintel, apsaras separated by lotus flowers hold decorative ribbons. There is a dragon head on either side of the niche, below which stand four-armed warriors adorned with jewelry and clad in a dhoti. Each warrior rests one pair of arms on the hips and holds a decorated square platform over the head with the other pair of upraised arms.
The niche houses a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas. The head of the Buddha is damaged. The Buddha is seated in full lotus position, and the hands form the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The nimbus has three layers decorated with lotus petals in the inner layer, gandharvas, kinnaras, and eight Bodhisattvas making offerings in the middle layer, and twelve heavenly beings making offerings in the outer layer. Each layer is separated by a beaded string pattern and the Buddha’s mandorla is embellished with a flame pattern. Apsaras with musical instruments are carved on the back wall of the niche. The flanking attendant Bodhisattvas wear headdresses, necklaces, long dhotis, and stoles that cross at the abdomen and drape over the arms. Each Bodhisattva places a hand before the chest while the other hand holds a vase or wish-fulfilling jewel. Images of lotus flowers and mythical creatures are depicted below the niche, followed by an incense burner flanked by two coiled dragons, with figures making offerings on either side. On the outer edge of each side, there is a crouching lion. A stele with a coiled dragon on top and an inscription of one of the Twenty Outstanding Inscriptions of the Longmen Grottoes is located to the left of the niche.