Tuoshan Grotto 2

CHINA, Shandong, Weifang

Located on the east side of Tuoshan is a square, open grotto with a flat roof. Grotto 2 measures 3.3 m high, 2.93 m wide, and 2.85 m deep. On each of the three walls there is a niche enshrining a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas.
The Buddha pictured here sits in full lotus position wearing a monastic robe with succinct folds. The left hand forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra while the right makes the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The Bodhisattvas flanking the Buddha stand straight against the walls of the grotto, and are identified by the inscription as Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta. Avalokitesvara, to the right of the Buddha, wears a crown with an image of a Buddha in front. Mahasthamaprapta, to the left of the Buddha, wears a crown emblazoned with a vase ornament.
Based on the ornamentation adorning the Bodhisattvas, one can infer that the primary statue is Amitabha Buddha, with Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta completing the Amitabha Buddha Triad. Based on the style of the statues and the sculpting techniques, this grotto was most likely carved during the Sui dynasty (581–618).