Yungang Grotto 6: Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located in the lower tier on the north side of the central pillar within Grotto 6, Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas are depicted within a double-layer niche, with an inner arch-shaped niche and an outer trapezoidal niche. The image of these two Buddhas seated together is derived from the “Chapter on the Emergence of the Prabhutaratna Pagoda” from the Lotus Sutra, and is a common theme in the Yungang Grottoes. This reflects the popularity of the sutra during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534).
In this depiction, Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna have rounded faces, high usnisas, and wear loose robes tied at the waist. Both Buddhas form a mudra with one hand. Behind each figure is a round, flame-patterned nimbus enclosed by a mandorla. The ceiling of the niche is filled with apsaras, and between the mandorlas on the back wall are small carvings of disciples with palms joined in reverence. Larger images of disciples and Bodhisattvas stand at the bottom sections outside the niche.