Yungang Grotto 5: Seated Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located on the back (north) wall of the grotto, this 17 m high Buddha statue is the largest sculpture in the Yungang Grottoes. The Buddha is depicted sitting with legs crossed and both hands forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The figure has a square face, curled hair, a robust physique, and wears a loose-fitting monastic robe. A three-layered nimbus is carved behind the head, decorated with seated Buddhas and apsaras in the middle and outer rings. The oblong mandorla surrounding the Buddha is decorated with flame patterns and seated Buddhas. The style of the apsaras in the nimbus suggests that this statue may have been created after the second phase of Yungang construction, in the year 489. The clothing worn by the Buddha resembles the court attire of the Tang dynasty (618–907), and according to historical records, the statue was renovated by Chan Master Yan. The statue was further renovated and gilded by later generations.
A corridor is constructed behind the Buddha for circumambulation and prostration. In addition, the Buddha is flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas wearing headdresses that are decorated with flowers. The nimbuses behind the Bodhisattvas date to the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), but the statues themselves were subsequently re-sculpted.