Bingling Temple Cave 172: Buddha Triad

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Western Wei dynasty

These sculptures are located on the exterior cliff face in the upper tier of the north wall of Cave 172, within a large shallow niche. The sculptures consist of a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas, most likely created some time during the late Northern Wei (386–534) or Western Wei (535–556) dynasties. The Buddha has a high usnisa, a round face, elongated ears, and a faint urna between the eyebrows. Seated in full lotus position with one foot exposed, the Buddha wears a monastic robe covering both shoulders, detailed with U-shaped incised folds and painted in red and green. Standing Bodhisattvas wearing tall, elaborate headdresses are on both sides. The nimbuses and aureoles behind the figures were repainted during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and consist of layers of patterns including auspicious clouds, small flowers, and jewels.