Bingling Temple Niche 23

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia

Niche 23 is located in the central south section of the lower temple caves. The interior is 1.32 m wide, 1.04 m high, and 0.79 m deep. It was constructed during the Tang dynasty (618–907), and all of the original works have been preserved. The niche features statues of a Buddha, two disciples, and two Bodhisattvas as well as murals. The two disciples were relocated for preservation purposes in 1997 and 2003.
The seated Buddha is 57 cm in height. He has a large usnisa, round face, and three lines across the neck. The Buddha wears an open-collared monastic robe covering both shoulders. His left hand rests upon the knee, while the right hand rests on lap.
Two empty pedestals which originally supported the statues of the disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda are on either side of the central Buddha. On the two side walls are Bodhisattvas, each measuring 68 cm high. They wear high topknots, necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and long lower garments. The Bodhisattva on the right holds a vase and a lotus, while the Bodhisattva on the left holds a willow branch and a handkerchief.
The paintings found within the niche cover most of the walls and ceiling, although some are no longer discernible due to damage. Colorful nimbuses and aureoles painted with various patterns are on the back (west) wall behind the Buddha, as well as behind each Bodhisattva. A canopy filled with honeysuckle patterns is seen above the seated Buddha, and auspicious clouds are painted at the center of the ceiling. Four long-stemmed lotuses containing a total of eight Buddha images are painted on the wall between the sculptures. The murals are vivid and colorful, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the niche.