Longmen Grotto 1443: Niche

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Northern Wei dynasty

This niche, the second from the right on the upper tier of the north wall, was commissioned by the chief magistrate of Luhun, Wei Lingzang. Portrayed on the lintel are small Buddha images and 11 apsaras who hold long ribbons. Below these images are figures of eight Bodhisattvas making offerings. A dragon head and columns with lotus capitals are depicted on each side of the niche. The column shafts are engraved with scroll leaf pattern.
Within the niche are Sakyamuni Buddha and two Bodhisattvas. The outer monastic robe of the Buddha crosses the left shoulder and the inner robe’s hem has a beaded string pattern. Seated in full lotus position, Sakyamuni, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist, forms the dhyana (meditation) mudra. Sakyamuni is portrayed with a nimbus and a mandorla, with a swastika on the chest. The three layers of the nimbus are adorned with lotus petals, Buddha images, and apsaras, while the mandorla displays only Buddha images. Illustrations of the Vimalakirti Sutra are depicted on either side of the mandorla.
Wearing loose dhotis, the two Bodhisattvas have headdresses and long stoles. The stoles are stringed through a jade disc at the abdomen and drape over the arms. The Bodhisattva on the right holds a wish-fulfilling jewel and lotus bud, while the Bodhisattva on the left holds a vase and a lotus bud. The bottom edge of the niche is engraved with entwined honeysuckle pattern. In the center below it, two dragons guard an incense burner, with three figures making offerings and a seated lion on either side. To the right of the niche, a stele engraved with a coiled dragon is inscribed with one of the Twenty Outstanding Inscriptions of the Longmen Grottoes; however, part of the inscription is missing.