Maijishan Grotto 165

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui

This rectangular grotto with a flat ceiling is located on the east side of the west cliff above Grotto 78. It dates to the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), but most of the present contents date to the Song dynasty (960–1279). The sculptures are made of clay with a stone core. The grotto is themed around Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and is a good example of Song dynasty sculptures.
At the back wall of the grotto is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, 3.28 m in height, seated with legs crossed on a throne. A 2.18 m high attendant stands on each side of Avalokitesvara. A mural of the Thousand Buddhas that dates to the Song dynasty is displayed on the upper back wall, and there is a mural of apsaras from the Northern Wei dynasty painted underneath. Bodhisattvas, approximately 2.5 m in height, stand at the side walls. The Bodhisattva on the right wall is inscribed with the date 1196. At the top of the right wall there is a mural of heavenly musicians.