Maijishan Grotto 22

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui

Located in the middle section on the west side of the east cliff, Grotto 22 was excavated in the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581). The front section of this grotto has collapsed.
A circular arched niche is located on the back wall. The lintel forms an ogee arch shape with a honeysuckle pattern. The niche houses a seated Buddha in full lotus posture. The smooth and gold colored Buddha is 1.62 m in height. Although damaged, the right fingers can be recognized as displaying the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The left hand forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra, but the wrist has deteriorated. The Buddha has a round face and long, fine eyebrows. The corners of the mouth express a smile. The urna between the eyebrows is missing. A terracotta colored monastic robe covers both shoulders of the Buddha. A wheel-shaped nimbus behind the head is encircled by a mandorla. Within the right side of the mandorla are a female heavenly being and two monks. On the left are two female heavenly beings and a Bodhisattva. The mandorla is embellished by a honeysuckle pattern, and surrounded by a flame pattern. The mural’s principal colors are mineral green, black, and terracotta, with white as the background color. The simple and lively characteristics of this mural exhibit the typical features of Northern Zhou art.
A statue of a disciple, 1.11 m in height, stands on the right of the Buddha. The head of the slim and vivid disciple is slightly turned in the direction of the Buddha as if to listen. This disciple wears a terracotta monastic robe.