North Cave Temple Cave 240: Buddhas and Attendant Bodhisattvas

CHINA, Gansu, Qingyang; Northern Zhou dynasty

These sculptures are located on the south wall and are in excellent condition considering their age. Each of the back (east) and side walls contains a Buddha flanked by two Bodhisattvas. On the south wall, the Buddha has a flat usnisa, a round face, a high-bridged nose, and a small mouth with a slight smile. The right hand is in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The Buddha wears an inner robe underneath a monastic robe draped over the shoulders. The figure is seated in full lotus position. A smiling Bodhisattva stands on each side of the Buddha. The one on the left wears a long necklace and holds a vase in the right hand, while the one on the right holds a round object in the left hand. These three statues are considered exquisite works of the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581).