Yungang Grotto 6: Standing Buddha Niche

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

This niche is situated in the upper tier on the right side of the east wall. It features a central Buddha standing barefoot beneath a canopy, flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas. The Buddha has curled hair, a high usnisa, almond-shaped eyes, and a smile on the lips. Clothed in a loose, draped monastic robe with wide sleeves, the Buddha forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with one hand and the varada (wish-granting) mudra with the other. A nimbus and a mandorla surround the Buddha; the nimbus is decorated with apsaras, while the mandorla features flame patterns and images of seated Buddhas.
The attendant Bodhisattvas stand barefoot on lotus pedestals, wearing headdresses, earrings, stoles, and long garments. Lotus petals fill the inner ring of their nimbuses, while flame patterns decorate the outer ring. Sculpted above the attendant Bodhisattvas are numerous figures that stand or kneel with palms joined in reverence. Among the figures are Bodhisattvas, monks, yaksas, and other heavenly beings, all facing the Buddha. In the lower part of the niche, between the standing Buddha and the attending Bodhisattvas, are other heavenly beings with joined palms.