Longmen Grotto 2055: Buddha Triad

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Wu Zhou period

On the back (east) wall, a crescent-shaped altar supports Maitreya Buddha and two Bodhisattvas. The head and shoulders of Maitreya are damaged. Seated with legs pendent on a Sumeru throne, Maireya has broad shoulders and wears a monastic robe with simple, U-shaped folds. The left hand rests on the knee while the right hand is damaged. Carved in relief behind the statue are a double-layered nimbus and a backrest. The nimbus is embellished with lotus petals and seven Buddha images, while the backrest is surrounded by four figures riding creatures, a seated Buddha, and seven apsaras. Thick lotus stems extend from either side of the Buddha’s throne to form round lotus pedestals upon which the two attendant Bodhisattvas stand. Both Bodhisattvas have petal-shaped nimbuses, with seven Buddha images and flame patterns. The Bodhisattvas are dressed in long robes and wear various adornments, which include necklaces and stoles. Their postures are graceful. The Bodhisattva on the left raises a vase with a long-stemmed lotus while the other arm naturally rests at the side of the body. The Bodhisattva on the right holds a vase in the lowered left hand, while the damaged right hand is raised.