Maijishan Grotto 87: Mahakasyapa

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Western Wei dynasty

This statue of Mahakasyapa, located on the right side of the left wall, portrays Mahakasyapa as a Central Asian, with an oblong face, a head tilted downward, gaunt cheeks, and high cheekbones. The long eyebrows extend over the deep eye sockets. Both eyes gaze downward beyond the high bridge of the large nose. The slightly open mouth exposes the teeth, which suggests Mahakasyapa is engaged in recitation. An Adam’s apple is apparent in the extended neck. A large robe, carved with long simple shade lines, drapes over both shoulders as Mahakasyapa joins his palms at the chest. The carefully sculpted statue faithfully portrays a tranquil elderly monk from Central Asia.