Maijishan Grotto 16: Seated Buddha

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Northern Wei dynasty

This seated Buddha statue is located at the back wall of Grotto 16, which is located on the west side of the east cliff. This rectangular grotto has a flat ceiling, but the front part has collapsed. There is a niche on the upper section of each side wall. In addition to the seated Buddha statue, the back wall contains two niches on each side. The upper niches contain a single standing Buddha, while the lower niches house a standing Buddha flanked by two attendant Bodhisattvas.
This Buddha sits in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne. The figure’s forearms and hands are missing and there are holes where they were once attached. The exposed feet are carved in relief with the toes visible and the soles simply carved. The Buddha wears an outer monastic robe over an inner robe. Incised with lines to illustrate folds, the outer robe covers both shoulders and drapes over the throne. The tied inner robe covers the chest. A nimbus is painted on the wall behind the Buddha. Painted on the wall on both sides of the Buddha are ten disciples, while ten figures making offerings are depicted on both sides of the throne.