Dafo Temple Cave 1: Amitabha Buddha

CHINA, Shaanxi, Binxian; Tang dynasty

This seated Amitabha Buddha is located on the back (west) wall of Cave 1, which is also known as Dafo (Great Buddha) Cave. This statue was originally carved from stone in 628 during the Tang dynasty; it was later covered in clay and painted in bright colors that distort the original appearance of the figure.
Amitabha Buddha sits in full lotus position, forming the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with one hand. The Buddha has tightly curled hair, a flat usnisa, arched eyebrows with an urna between them, slightly closed eyes, and full, thick lips. The thick neck is engraved with three lines, and the shoulders are broad. Amitabha wears an inner robe tied at the waist, and a flowing monastic robe.
The nimbus behind the Buddha is richly adorned with varied patterns. The inner circle of the nimbus is decorated with lotus petals, while the outer circle is covered with vine-like motifs. Surrounding the mandorla are additional carvings including seven small seated Buddhas and 22 apsaras. A warrior supporting a niche is located above the Buddha. There are three figures inside the niche as well as an inscription dating to 628 of the Tang dynasty.