Yungang Grotto 10: Buddha Niche

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located on the third tier of the east wall within the front chamber, the roof of this house-shaped niche is decorated with a garuda and flaming triangular shapes. Imitation bracket sets are sculpted below the roof. The structure contains two four-story pagodas which separate the niche into three bays. Each story features a yaksa in a different posture, and the canopies above each figure are decorated with triangular patterns. At the very top of each pagoda is a carving of a child being reborn among plantain leaves.
In the central bay is a cross-legged Buddha wearing a monastic robe over one shoulder. The Buddha holds a sutra in one hand, while the other hand forms a variation of the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The nimbus and mandorla surrounding the Buddha are decorated with flame patterns, and within the mandorla are six seated Buddha figures. A lion can be found in front of the Buddha on both sides. The flanking niches contain attendant Bodhisattvas, each with an apsara above their heads. The Bodhisattvas wear headdresses, stoles, and long garments. Each of them holds a flower bud and vase.