Bingling Temple Cave 169: Niche Sculptures

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Western Qin Kingdom

These sculptures are located in Niche 18, along the top of the back wall of the cave. There are a total of 13 stone-core clay reliefs, although most of the clay has fallen off to expose the stone underneath. Some of the images have also suffered damage due to weathering. The largest of the images is the standing Buddha in the center. The Buddha stands barefoot on a lotus throne, wearing a monastic robe, of which part of the original clay detailing can be seen in the folds on the lower legs.
The niches surrounding the Buddha can be separated into three sections: the top section which contains five niches, the middle section with seven, and the lower section with one. Each niche contains a Buddha image in varying sizes, with the smallest relief approximately 0.2 m and the largest at 4 m in height. Most of the reliefs depict Buddhas seated in full lotus position forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra with both hands. There are two standing Buddhas among these reliefs.
The reliefs within this niche are all quite similar in design. The style is simple and contains obvious characteristics from earlier dynasties and other regions, with the large standing Buddha in particular exhibiting clear influence from the Gandharan style. Scholars estimate that the reliefs were made in 420 during the Western Qin Kingdom.