Mogao Cave 328: Niche Sculptures

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

The painted sculptures enshrined within the back (west) wall niche of the main chamber include a Buddha, two disciples, and three Bodhisattvas, along with another two Bodhisattvas outside of the niche. A fourth Bodhisattva within the niche was removed in 1924.
The Buddha measures 2.19 m in height. The face is long and full, exhibiting the plumpness characteristic of the High Tang period (712–756), though the figure otherwise displays features typical of the Early Tang period (618–712). The Buddha is seated in full lotus position and wears a monastic robe over broad shoulders. The disciple on the right is Mahakasyapa. The figure is 1.8 m high and stands with palms joined in front of the chest. The disciple on the left is Ananda, measuring 1.83 m high and depicted with hands clasped before the abdomen. The two Bodhisattvas next to the disciples are seated in the relaxation posture. Both measure 1.9 m in height and have high topknots, necklaces, stoles, and long lower garments. The three other Bodhisattvas kneel gracefully on one knee. They are similarly adorned with high topknots, long necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and diaphanous lower garments.