Cishan Temple Grotto 2: Amitabha Buddha

CHINA, Shaanxi, Baoji; Tang dynasty

Located on the west wall, this seated Amitabha Buddha has a low, flat usnisa, rounded face, concave urna, and arched eyebrows over closed eyes. A long earring adorns each ear, and three lines are carved into the neck. A lightly engraved nimbus with four layers can be seen behind the Buddha’s head. The inner layers are simple, while the outer layer displays a flame pattern in bas-relief. The figure is clothed in monastic robes with draping collars. The folds of the robe are simple, yet realistically carved. Both of the figure’s hands are webbed. One hand is extended forwards, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel edged with flames, while the other hand forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The palm of the hand has a circular thousand-spoked wheel.