Longmen Grotto 1955

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang

Grotto 1955, or Jinan (Southernmost) Grotto, is located on a high cliff at the southern end of the west bank, hence its name. It was commissioned by Prime Minister Yao Yuanzhi between 706 and 711 during the Tang dynasty, and was dedicated to his deceased mother. The grotto is 3.4 m in width, 4.2 m in height, and 4.46 m in depth, has a front chamber and a rear chamber. The front chamber is rectangular with a flat ceiling but parts of the ceiling has collapsed. There are two statues of Vajrapanibalin on either side of the grotto entrance. Unfortunately, the heads are no longer present but the distinct and well-depicted muscular physiques render the statues exemplars of warrior figures from the Tang dynasty.
The ceiling of the rear chamber has a lotus in the center surrounded by six apsaras. Altars with nine statues are found along three of the grotto walls. The main statue on the back (north) wall is that of Maitreya Buddha, seated on a Sumeru throne and dressed in a loose robe with U-shaped folds. The left side of the statue is damaged. Statues of disciples, Bodhisattvas, Heavenly Kings, and a creature with a human face are depicted on the east and west walls. There are 12 apsaras on the three walls behind the altars. The apsaras hold various musical instruments and either play music or dance.