Bingling Temple Cave 169: Standing Buddha

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Western Qin Kingdom

This figure is located in Niche 7, in the middle tier of the north wall of Cave 169. Originally, there were three standing Buddhas, but two have been severely damaged leaving only this standing Buddha intact.
The Buddha has a high usnisa, a round face, long fine eyebrows, and a slightly upturned mouth. He wears a monastic robe that covers both shoulders with incised lines indicating loose folds. The nimbus and mandorla behind him have been painted mineral green, with accents of white, black, blue, and red. Above the nimbus are flame patterns, apsaras, and rows of seated Buddhas. Scholars estimate that this piece was created around the same time as the Amitabha Buddha found in the adjacent Niche 6. The clothing style and carving technique indicate influence from the Mathura style. This image is a remnant of the Western Qin Kingdom period (385–431).