Longmen Grotto 2050: Bodhi Figure

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Tang dynasty

This Buddha statue is located on the back (east) wall of the grotto. The Bodhi Figure illustrates the auspicious signs during Sakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment, as described in the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions authored by Master Xuanzang. The Buddha has tightly curled hair and wears a floriated crown. The eyes are long, slender, and upturned while the mouth is small, and there are three lines on the neck. The chest is adorned with an exquisite leaf and vine patterned necklace. An elaborate armlet is seen on the upper right arm. Seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne, the Buddha has broad shoulders and wears a monastic robe that crosses the right shoulder. The Buddha forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra with the right hand and the left is held palm up on the lap. Two apsaras are engraved on the throne and behind the Buddha is the Thousand Buddhas carved in relief, which extends throughout the grotto.