Bingling Temple Cave 3: Seated Buddha

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Tang dynasty

This statue is located within a small niche on the lower section of the south wall. The niche originally contained five figures, but only this Buddha and two Bodhisattvas remain. The Buddha sits with legs pendent, each bare foot resting upon a small lotus pedestal. The face is round with defined features, an urna between the eyebrows, and a high usnisa upon the head. The Buddha has elongated earlobes and there are three lines upon the neck. A monastic robe is draped over both shoulders, with the folds of the garment detailed at the chest and on the legs. One hand rests upon the knee while the other holds an alms bowl in front of the chest. Behind the head an oval nimbus is painted in bright green.