Longmen Grotto 1443: Niche

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Northern Wei dynasty

Located on the upper right section of the north wall, this niche was commissioned by Lady Yuchi, wife of Qiumu Lingliang, for her late son, Niujue. The lintel is decorated with apsaras that hold long ribbons. The niche houses Maitreya Buddha seated with legs crossed at the ankles, flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Maitreya has a nimbus decorated with lotus petals and Buddha images, and a mandorla with apsaras, Buddhas, and a flame pattern. Maitreya wears a robe that crosses the left shoulder. The right hand is raised before the chest, while the left hand rests on the knee. A lion stands on each side of Maitreya. One Bodhisattva is missing. The other wears a stole that drapes over the shoulders and crosses before the abdomen. The figure holds a vase and wears a long lower garment. Located in the center and below the niche, a warrior with raised arms supports the feet of Maitreya. A stele inscription next to the niche is one of the Twenty Outstanding Inscriptions of the Longmen Grottoes.