Gongxian Cave 4: Niche Sculptures

CHINA, Henan, Zhengzhou; Northern Wei dynasty

These sculptures are located within the two tiers of niches on each side of the central pillar of Cave 4. The sculptures in the niches on the south side are the best preserved. The upper niche on the south side is carved with a curtain on the lintel. The figures within the niche are Maitreya Bodhisattva, two disciples, and two other Bodhisattvas. The 1 m high Maitreya Bodhisattva sits in full lotus position, wearing a necklace and a monastic robe with a crossed collar. One hand forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra, while the other hand is raised. The lower niche has a trapezoidal ceiling and contains a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas. The Buddha sits in full lotus position, wearing a long monastic robe that hangs down over the edge of the platform. Both of the Buddha’s hands are damaged.
The lower niches feature the same number and position of figures, with the exception of the niche on the west side of the pillar which contains Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas sitting side by side.