Xumishan Grotto 51: Seated Buddhas

CHINA, Ningxia, Guyuan; Northern Zhou dynasty

These statues are located on the back (west) wall of Grotto 51, which is the largest grotto at Xumishan and has a unique layout from the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581). The main chamber is 13.5 m wide, 10.6 m in height, and 13.2 m in depth. Doorways in the front, south, and north walls lead to the front, south, and north auxiliary chambers. The back wall of the main chamber contains an arched niche and inside are three Buddhas seated in full lotus position. The three are all 6 m in height and sculpted similarly. Another Buddha sits to the left of the niche in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne. The figure has a flat usnisa, broad shoulders, and a monastic robe with long, loose sleeves covering both shoulders. The outer monastic robe rests over an inner robe. The Buddha’s head was carved in exquisite detail. The elegantly slender figure wears loose-fitting robes typical of the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534).