Mogao Cave 290: Buddha Pentad

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Zhou dynasty

This niche is located on the east side of the central pillar. The arched niche has a Buddha seated with legs pendent in the center. The disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda stand at the Buddha’s sides, and outside the niche are two Bodhisattvas. The Buddha wears a long, heavy robe with incised folds. It covers both shoulders and has wide sleeves and an open collar. Mahakasyapa and Ananda are sculpted into the side walls of the niche; they have gentle and wise expressions. The Bodhisattvas wear crowns and elaborate celestial garments. The round columns on each side of the niche are surmounted by lotuses and dragons, while the niche lintel is embellished with lotuses and honeysuckle patterns. Reliefs of the Thousand Buddhas at one time adorned the wall surrounding the niche, but have now fallen away.