Yungang Grotto 3: Buddha Triad

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Tang dynasty

Located on the left side of the north wall in the rear chamber, the Buddha is seated with legs pendent and flanked by two Bodhisattvas. The Buddha has a serene expression, a rounded face, elongated earlobes, and wears a monastic robe covering both shoulders. One hand forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra while the other hand rests on the knee. The oval mandorla surrounding the Buddha is carved with flame patterns, images of apsaras, and small seated Buddha images.
The attendant Bodhisattva on the right side wears a headdress decorated with the face of a mythical creature, and hoop earrings in the elongated earlobes. One hand is held in front of the chest and the other hand has broken off. The attendant Bodhisattva on the left side has a rounded face and wears a headdress, a long garment, and a stole over the shoulders. One hand holds a wish-fulfilling jewel before the chest. The nimbuses of both Bodhisattvas are decorated with flame patterns and Buddha images.