Shizhongshan Grottoes Niche 5: Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva

CHINA, Yunnan, Dali; Nanzhao to Dali period

Located within a shallow arched niche to the right of the niche with Vimalakirti, this statue of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva has shoulder length hair, a bare upper body adorned with a necklace and armlets, and a lower body wrapped in a long lower garment. The right hand is raised while the left hand is lowered. The Bodhisattva is seated on a Sumeru throne with legs pendent and each foot resting on a lotus pedestal. A large, elaborately decorated mandorla frames the Bodhisattva. The sculpture’s characteristics are typical of the Tang dynasty (618–907).
Standing to the left and right of the Bodhisattva are female attendants in long-sleeved robes. On the lower platform, figures making offerings to the Buddha hold a sword and scroll on the left and right sides, respectively. A small seated Buddha with a mandorla radiating outwards is found in the center of the lower platform.