Yungang Grotto 7

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong

Yungang Grotto 7, located in the central area, was constructed during the early 470s and is a twin to Grotto 8. The two grottoes have similar layouts, consisting of a front chamber and rear chamber with an arched doorway and window between them. The facade consists of a three-story wooden structure which is aligned to the curvature of the cliff. The upper story of the structure connects to the fourth story of the structure of Grotto 6.
The front chamber is 8.8 m in width and 8 m in depth. The carvings in this area have suffered severe weathering and many are no longer discernible. A number of carvings of Jataka tales remain on the east wall, including illustrations of the Sacrifice for a Gatha by Jumping into a Fire Pit, the Prince Kubha Jataka, and the Jataka of the Rabbit King’s Self-Sacrifice. The west wall is decorated with the Thousand Buddhas and an arched doorway leading to Grotto 8. The doorway into the rear chamber is located on the back (north) wall, with a window carved above it. The remaining carvings on the east side of the front (south) wall include a standing Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and a multi-story pagoda.
The 5.1 m high arched doorway between the front chamber and the rear chamber is carved with a three-story pagoda on each side, with each story containing two yaksas. At the top of the pagodas are images of children being reborn among plantain leaves. On the side walls within the doorway are warriors and three-headed, six-armed Dharma protectors. The window above the doorway is 3.63 m in width, 3.8 m in height and 1.9 m in depth. Its inner side walls are illustrated with mountain ranges, monastics sitting in meditation, and Bodhi trees, with the tree canopy extending to the window ceiling.
The back wall of the rear chamber features two large niches. The niche on the upper tier of the wall contains sculptures of the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future, with Maitreya Buddha seated cross-legged in the center upon a lion throne. The niche on the lower tier has suffered severe weathering and the carvings have lost most of their original features.
The east, west and front walls are each filled with four tiers of two niches, most of which contain seated Buddhas. The niche in the lowest tier on the left side of the west wall contains a seated Buddha flanked by brahmins. Mountains are carved on the niche lintel along with images of eight brahmins pouring water onto a fire. This carving illustrates the story of Sakyamuni Buddha’s conversion of the Three Kasyapa Brothers. The niches on the second tier are separated by a column carved with coiling dragons and each contains one seated Buddha. Between the niches on the third tier is a tower-style pagoda, with a child being reborn among plantain leaves at the top, and a warrior supporting the base. The Buddha within the niche on the left sits in the full lotus position, while the Buddha on the right sits with legs crossed at the ankles. Carved at the top of the wall above the niches on the fourth tier is a row of seven seated Buddhas.
The niches on the east wall have suffered weathering and are not as well preserved as those on the west wall. The lower tier of niches has almost completely deteriorated, and the second tier is severely worn as well. The niches on the upper tiers are almost identical in content and layout to those on the west wall.
Four niches are also arranged vertically on either side of the doorway and window in the front wall. These niches contain carvings which depict a variety of figures, including Manjusri Bodhisattva, Vimalakirti, seated Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, disciples. Between the doorway and window is a long rectangular niche containing carvings of six heavenly beings making offerings. A row of thirteen seated Buddhas is carved at the very top of the wall.