Bingling Temple Niche 86

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia

Niche 86 is a shallow niche located in the central section of the lower temple caves. The interior is 1.3 m wide, 1.1 m high, and 0.6 m deep, and was constructed during the Tang dynasty (618–907). It contains carvings of a Buddha, two disciples, and two Bodhisattvas.
The central Buddha is 77 cm high and sits with legs pendent upon a rectangular throne. He has a high usnisa, arched eyebrows, and three lines across his neck. A monastic robe is draped over both shoulders, and one hand holds an alms bowl in the lap. The two disciples flanking the Buddha are both 65 cm high. Mahakasyapa, depicted with elderly features and crossed arms, is on the right. Ananda who has a round head, fine eyebrows, and large ears is to the left with hands clasped in front of the abdomen. The two attendant Bodhisattvas are both 70 cm high and stand on either side wall of the niche, facing inwards. They have high topknots and round faces, with three lines carved into their necks. The Bodhisattvas wear earrings, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and lower garments tied at the waist. The Bodhisattva on the right holds a vase and a jewel, while the Bodhisattva on the left holds a jewel and a handkerchief.
The painted murals within the niche consist of nimbuses and aureoles on the walls, and decorative patterns on the ceiling. Behind the seated Buddha is a petal-shaped nimbus and a large round aureole, both decorated with floral patterns painted in mineral green within an outline of dark flames. The Bodhisattvas have similarly patterned nimbuses. Canopies and auspicious clouds are painted in the center of the ceiling in red and green, and the empty spaces on the walls and ceilings are decorated with single-stemmed flowers. Scholars are unsure when the murals were created; some believe they are original Tang dynasty creations, while others claim that they were repainted during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).