Tianlongshan Cave 4

CHINA, Shanxi, Taiyuan

Cave 4 at Tianlongshan is located in the center of the east peak, facing south. Based on the style of the Buddhist sculptures, scholars believe the cave was constructed between the years 684 and 705 during the Tang dynasty. The cave has an antechamber and a main chamber. The lintel over the entrance has lotus buds and honeysuckle patterns in the center, while the two sides of the entrance remain unadorned.
The main chamber is 1.9 m high, 1.42 m wide, and 1.35 m deep. The three walls are fitted with platforms. The platform inside the niche on the back (north) wall has a Buddha seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne, flanked by two disciples. The Buddha’s head and right arm are damaged, and only the bottom part of the left disciple still remains. It is apparent from the remaining traces of the missing figures that the right disciple was inclined towards the main statue.
Platforms on the east and west walls have a seated and two standing Bodhisattvas. The two Bodhisattva sculptures on the east wall and one of the sculptures on the west wall have been removed. The head of the Bodhisattva on the west wall has been removed, and the remaining parts of the body are severely weathered.