Yungang Grotto 9: Window

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located above the arched doorway on the back (north) wall of the front chamber, this window serves to provide natural lighting for the rear chamber, as well as add to the overall aesthetics of the grotto. It measures 2.3 m in width and 2.6 m in height, and features vivid carvings on its frame and inner walls.
The window frame is decorated with two emaciated brahmins, identified as Vasu and Mrgasirsa Vasu, depicted on the right, holds a pigeon in one hand, while Mrgasirsa, on the left, holds a skull. The lintel has nine seated Buddhas and two dragons whose intertwining tails span the entire upper arch of the window. On the wall above the lintel is a row of heavenly beings partially hidden by the lintel, with eight apsaras above them. At the very top of the wall, six heavenly musicians inside heavenly palace settings play various instruments including a drum, pipa, flute, and conch shell. A five-story pagoda is carved on each side of the window frame, with two yaksas depicted on each story. Atop each structure are children being reborn among plantain leaves.
On the west inner wall of the window, a Bodhisattva is seated upon an elephant. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress, stole, and a long lower garment. The elephant is depicted with a heavy build, wearing a bridle and saddle as it walks over mountain ranges. Three apsaras fly above the Bodhisattva, one of whom holds a parasol, while the other two play pipa and flute.
The east inner wall of the window has a Bodhisattva seated upon a lotus growing out of a pond. The Bodhisattva wears garments similar to the figure on the west inner wall, and holds a vase and lotus. The figure is flanked by heavenly beings and two monks kneeling on both sides of the pond below. The ceiling of the window is carved with a lotus encircled by two rings of petals and eight apsaras.