Maijishan Grotto 141: Seated Buddha (back wall); Clay
Maijishan Grotto 141: Seated Buddha (left wall, right side); Clay
Maijishan Grotto 141
CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui
This rectangular grotto with a vaulted ceiling is located on the east side of the west cliff. It was excavated during the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581). Situated to the right of the entrance, a Bodhisattva stands in front of the damaged facade. The elaborate ceiling, with reliefs of lotuses, is carved with beams and lintels. The grotto features seven niches, three on each side wall and one on the back wall. Together they form the Seven Buddhas, though the center one on each side wall is damaged. The Buddha on the back wall niche measures 1.45 m in height. The nimbus and mandorla behind the Buddha are decorated with flame, honeysuckle, and flaming jewel patterns, as well as two monks making offerings. The Buddha is flanked by two attendant Bodhisattvas who are ornately adorned.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves M-Mo, page 787.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves M-Mo},
pages = 787,
title = {{Maijishan Grotto 141}},
volume = 7,
year = {2016}}