Yungang Grotto 9: Door Lintel

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located above the arched doorway in the front (south) wall of the rear chamber, this lintel is intricately carved with images of apsaras and seated Buddha figures. The top of the lintel is carved as an imitation wooden structure, with a hip roof and corrugated tiles. In the center of the structure is a seated Buddha, with four heavenly beings kneeling on either side. The next row of carvings depicts a series of apsaras, with the central pair holding a large jewel-like object. At the two corners above the apsaras are partial carvings of four heavenly beings. Below the row of apsaras are nine seated Buddha figures, each forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra with both hands. The lower row of figures consists of six apsaras with their hair tied in topknots. These figures are arranged in a similar fashion to the apsaras above them. On the bottom corners to either side of the lintel garudas stand on lotus pedestals.