Shizhongshan Grottoes Niche 8: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Yunnan, Dali; Dali Kingdom

This sculpture, carved in relief, is located on the inner right wall of the main niche on the upper tier. The Buddha is seated on a lotus throne with a monastic robe covering all but the right shoulder and chest. The right hand forms the vitarka (teaching) mudra, while the left hand forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. A nimbus and a flame-patterned mandorla on the back wall are clearly visible. Inscription tablets on both sides of the mandorla are no longer legible. A monk, sits before the Buddha. He is flanked by two seated figures with mandorlas. The left figure has four arms, with each hand holding a Dharma instrument. The six hands of the figure on the right either hold Dharma instruments or form mudras.