Yungang Grotto 20: Standing Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located on the east wall of the grotto, this standing Buddha has a rounded face, a low usnisa, and elongated earlobes. A similar figure originally stood on the west wall, but no longer exists due to the collapse of the front section of the grotto.
The Buddha wears a monastic robe which covers both shoulders and is emphasized with dense, curved folds. The nimbus behind the Buddha’s head is sculpted with four rings of images which depict, from the inner to the outer rings: lotus petals, figures making offerings, seated Buddhas, and flame pattern. The flame pattern is connected with the mandorla surrounding the main seated Buddha. Although the lower section of the figure has deteriorated, it is believed that a lotus pedestal was originally located beneath the Buddha’s feet.