Longmen Grotto 1034: Niche Sculptures

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Northern Wei dynasty

This niche is located on the north wall. The lintel, with sides that appear as drapery, has an animal head in the center. Housed on a platform within the niche are a Buddha, two disciples, and two Bodhisattvas. The Buddha sits in full lotus position with the right foot exposed and forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with the right hand. The monastic robe of the Buddha drapes over the throne. The two disciples are the elder Mahakasyapa and the youthful Ananda who joins palms. Both disciples stand on round pedestals. The Bodhisattvas are barefoot and wear long lower garments, necklaces, and stoles which intersect at the waist. One hand grasps the stole, while the other is raised to the chest. The heads of both figures are damaged. Flanking the niche’s opening are two slightly damaged lions that turn towards the Buddha.
Three rows of reliefs are found above the niche. In the first row are small, seated Buddhas; in the second, eight heavenly beings kneel with jewels held in offering; and in the third are the Seven Buddhas of the Past. Five panels of reliefs are portrayed on each side of the niche. These include apsaras, scenes from the Vimalakirti Sutra, Bodhisattvas in contemplation, the Buddha’s Parinirvana, cross-ankled Bodhisattvas, attendant Bodhisattvas, and a Buddha Pentad. The reliefs in and around the niche were originally painted.