Longmen Grotto 1609: Paying Respect to the Buddha

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Northern Wei dynasty

Found below the large niches on the north and south walls are images of figures making offerings that stand in orderly ranks. A large incense burner is located on the far right of the lower north wall. Two monks lean over and fill the burner with incense,while a third monk carries an alms bowl and bows slightly. Figures with offerings follow behind the monks. The two men and three women at the front are slightly larger than the six attendants who follow behind. The men wear the headgear of officials and long, loose robes with wide belts. The women wear their hair in either one or two topknots and are dressed in cross-collared robes with large sleeves. Most of them hold lotus flowers or buds in their left hands. The six attendants carry parasols and circular fans, or support the garments of one of the male figures as the group proceeds toward the right.
In the center of the lower south wall, a weathered and deteriorated warrior supports a tray with both hands. On the tray is a lotus and incense burner, and to either side are figures making offerings. The left group is led by a monk at the front, followed by two women who wear cross-collared robes with large sleeves. Three attendants behind them hold a parasol and fans. A monk on the right is followed by three men who wear official’ headgear, loose robes with wide belts, and hold lotuses in their right hands. Seven smaller attendants who follow carry a parasol, fan, and the lower part of an official’s garment. The figures proceed in two rows toward the incense burner in the middle.