Yungang Grotto 11: Pagoda

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located in the third tier on the left side of the west wall, this seven-story pagoda is carved to imitate a square, tower-style, wooden pagoda. The extended eaves above each story are carved to resemble corrugated tiles, with a large bell hanging on both sides. At the base are two figures making offerings and two muscular warriors supporting the pagoda. The roof of the pagoda is topped with a stacked-ring spire and two long sutra banners, which drape down on both sides.
There are figures on every story of the pagoda. The first and second stories feature a single seated Buddha flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas. The third story contains paired niches, each containing a Buddha. The fourth story has Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas, flanked by two other figures. The fifth story displays three Buddhas seated with legs pendent, while the sixth story contains cross-ankled Maitreya. Finally, the seventh story depicts three Buddhas seated in the lotus position.