Yungang Grotto 9: Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located in the upper tier on the left side of the back (north) wall within the front chamber, this arched niche contains Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas seated in the full lotus position, each forming the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra with one hand. Both Buddhas have high usnisas, delicate features, and wear monastic robes draped over one shoulder. The nimbus of the Buddha on the left is decorated with seated Buddha images, while the mandorla features images of apsaras. By contrast, the nimbus of the Buddha on the right features apsaras, while the mandorla depicts seated Buddhas. On the wall between the two Buddhas are two small Bodhisattva figures standing with palms joined in reverence, with two kneeling figures above them and apsaras filling the top section.
The lintel of the niche is decorated with apsaras and a row of seated Buddhas. At the very top of the wall above the niche is a row of five small niches that house carvings of musicians holding instruments.