Maijishan Grotto 142

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui

Constructed during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), Grotto 142 is located in the upper tier on the east side of the west cliff, to the left of Grotto 141 and above Grotto 148. This grotto, 2.3 m in height, has an elaborate ceiling and features 81 sculptures, of which 9 are freestanding but attached to the wall, and 72 are reliefs.
The grotto has a low platform along the four walls. There is a seated Buddha, with two attendant Bodhisattvas, on the back wall. Between the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, there are five tiers of the Thousand Buddha images or donor figures. The upper corners of the back wall display illustrations of the Auspicious Buddha on Gayasirsa (Elephant Head Mountain) and Auspicious Buddha on Gosrnga (Ox Head Mountain). The right wall has one Buddha and two disciples. A 1.6 m seated statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva and one disciple are on the left wall. The murals on the walls and ceiling have faded and those that remain include three apsaras on the ceiling, painted with clear and distinct outlines.