Shizhongshan Grottoes Niche 5

CHINA, Yunnan, Dali

Located in the vicinity of Shizhong Temple, Niche 5 was carved in the late Nanzhou (752–902) and early Dali (937–1253) Kingdoms. The main niche in this set is a typical shrine niche, and illustrates the Vimalakirti Sutra. It is flanked by two arched niches
There is a column on each side of the main niche with lotus designs at the center and on the base. The eaves supported by the columns are elaborately decorated with leaves and lotus petals. The arch below the eaves has a flattened ogee shape. The statue of Vimalakirti is 70 cm high and is flanked on the side walls of the main niche by Manjusri Bodhisattva and Sariputra.
The shallow arched niches on both sides each contain five statues. The niche on the left has Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva seated in full lotus position as its main statue. The niche on the right contains a statue of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva seated on a Sumeru throne with legs pendent. A seated miniature Buddha statue with an aureole radiating outwards is depicted in front of the Bodhisattva.