Xumishan Grotto 46

CHINA, Ningxia, Guyuan

Grotto 46 is situated in the Yuanguang (Perfect Light) Temple area. Similar to Grotto 45, excavation began during the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581). The grotto is 4.19 m wide, 2.9 m high, and 3.9 m deep. Grotto 46 could be considered Xumishan’s most richly decorated grotto.
A canopy niche enshrining a standing Bodhisattva is found on both sides of the entrance. The east, west, and back (north) walls each contain three niches. The niches in this grotto are either canopied or round, with the canopied niches being the most representative of the period. Each center niche contains a standing Buddha with a flat urna and a round face. These figures wear inner robes underneath an outer monastic robe. The outer robes flow elegantly and cover both shoulders. Their left hands form the varada (wish-granting) mudra, and the right hands present the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. Rich decorations surround each Buddha niche. A relief of a pleated drape is depicted on the lintel of the niche, complete with hanging curtains and drapery poles. Decorations of a flaming jewel, a lotus flower, and illustrations of the Seven Buddhas are found above. Square on both sides of the niche are each carved with dragon, elephants, and phoenixes.
Each of the four sides of the central pillar contains a niche. The north and south niches are arched with ogee lintels and those facing the east and west are curtain-style niches. Most of the niches contain statues of one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas. The Buddhas have flat usnisas, round faces, and broad shoulders. The two flanking Bodhisattvas are adorned with headdresses. Their upper bodies are bare, while the lower bodies are wrapped in long garments, and beaded ornaments hang over their shoulders. The corners of the pillar’s base are decorated with octagonal columns that have lotus bases.