Longmen Grotto 543: Amitabha Buddha Pentad

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Tang dynasty

Located on the back (west) wall of the rear chamber, Amitabha Buddha is flanked by two disciples and two Bodhisattvas. He has a large usnisa and wavy hair. The face is round with an urna between the eyebrows. The neck is short and has three lines. Amitabha’s nimbus is composed of two layers, patterned with lotus petals in the inner layer, and seven Buddhas on the outer layer. Lotus-born children and apsaras are carved on the mandorla, which is bordered by a flame pattern. The Buddha wears a double-collared monastic robe over an inner robe that is tied at the waist with a sash. The Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne. The right hand is positioned at the side of the chest, while the left hand rests on the knee. The disciples stand with palms joined. The strong, slender Bodhisattvas have petal-shaped nimbuses patterned with lotus petals and foliage. Stoles and ornaments drape across their bodies. The heads and hands of the Bodhisattvas are no longer present. With raised arms, four warriors on the concave section of the throne support its top. The bare-chested warriors wear dhotis tied at the waist.