Yungang Grotto 20: Sakyamuni Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

This grotto features a large seated Sakyamuni Buddha, which has been fully exposed due to the collapse of the surrounding walls. The sculpture is thus frequently referred to as the Exposed Great Buddha and has become one of the most distinctive and well-known figures at the Yungang Grottoes.
The Buddha has a smooth, rounded face, striking eyes, elongated earlobes, and a slight smile on the lips. The body has a robust physique and is clothed with a monastic robe covering one shoulder fully, and draped partially over the other. The Buddha sits with legs crossed and the hands forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The section of the figure below the level of the hands has suffered severe damage.
The nimbus behind the Buddha is made up of three rings, with lotus petals filling the inner ring, seated Buddhas in the middle ring, and flame patterns on the outer ring. The mandorla also has three rings, consisting of figures making offerings, seated Buddhas, and flame patterns. On each side of the mandorla there are an apsara and a Bodhisattva making an offering.