Bingling Temple Niche 87

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia

Niche 87 is located in the central section of the lower temple caves. The interior measures 1 m in width, 1.17 m in height, and 0.57 m in depth. Within the niche are well-preserved statues of a Buddha, two disciples, and two Bodhisattvas, as well as paintings which were recreated during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
The Buddha is 73 cm in height and sits with legs pendent upon a rectangular throne. He has a high usnisa, round face, and arched eyebrows. The open-collared monastic robes drape over his body and form U-shaped folds over his legs. The left hand holds an alms bowl in front of the abdomen, while the right hand rests upon the knee. The Buddha’s bare feet rest upon small oblong pedestals. The disciples flanking the Buddha are Mahakasyapa and Ananda, both approximately 66 cm in height, and standing barefoot with their arms crossed over their chests. Both disciples wear similar monastic robes; however, Mahakasyapa is depicted with a gaunt physique and wrinkled face while Ananda is depicted with a round, youthful face and elongated earlobes. The two Bodhisattvas standing beside the disciples are similar in style. They both have large topknots and rounded faces, and wear necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and long lower garments. Their bare upper torsos display slightly protruding bellies. Both Bodhisattvas have one arm hanging loosely by their sides, while the other hand holds a lotus bud or a vase.
The murals in the niche include a nimbus and an aureole behind each of the five figures. In addition, five small Buddhas and one Dharma protector are painted on the upper section of the walls between the figures. The small Buddhas sit in full lotus position, and their hands either form the dhyana (meditation) mudra, the vitarka (teaching) mudra, or hold alms bowls. The Dharma protector is depicted with a gaping mouth, sitting in royal ease posture upon a floating lotus. The ceiling is decorated with clouds and peonies.