Bingling Temple Cave 172: Five Buddhas

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Northern Zhou dynasty

These reliefs of five standing Buddhas are located on the lower section of the exterior north wall, against a backscreen constructed with a wooden core covered in clay. The figures were most likely created during the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581).
The Buddhas are all created in the same style and each has a height of 1.07 m. They have flat usnisas, round faces, and partially closed eyes. Each Buddha wears a round-collared inner and outer monastic robes knotted over one side. The left hand of each Buddha grasps the garment in front of the chest, while the right hand hangs down to the side, grasping a corner of the robe. The detailing of the sculptures is realistic and skillful, which is particularly evident in the folds of the clothing. The Buddhas’ more robust physiques are a divergence from the leaner style of figures popular during the late Northern Wei dynasty (386–534).
The nimbuses and aureoles behind the figures were added during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) and are composed of three rings and edged with flames. Painted on the upper wall between each Buddha are six patriarchs sitting in full lotus positions with palms joined in front of the chest. A figure painted on the far east side is the donor of these sculptures.