Longmen Grotto 1443: Niche Lintels

CHINA, Henan, Luoyang; Northern Wei dynasty

The niches along the north and south walls feature exquisite and varied decorative lintels. The first niche from the right on the lower tier of the north wall has an ogee arched lintel. The upper edge of the lintel is embellished with a trefoil pattern, below which is a line of figures. In the center of the line there is a Buddha flanked on both sides by pairs of seated Buddhas and either Bodhisattvas or disciples. Below this line, a series of quadrilaterals alternately portrays lotus-born beings and heads of mythical creatures. The lintel’s lower edge is decorated with jewels and ribbons, with the ribbons held in the teeth of mythical creatures. Interspersed with clouds, apsaras dance in the sky outside and on either side of the pointed arch.
The third niche from the left in the middle tier of the south wall has a square lintel with a trapezoidal interior. There is an image of Sakyamuni Buddha in the center, and on either side are illustrations from the Life of the Buddha that include Queen Maya’s Dream, Queen Maya in Lumbini Garden, Birth of Prince Siddhartha, Seven Steps at Birth, Bathing of the Prince by Nine Nagas, Asita’s Prophecy, and the First Meditation. Each story is represented by a single image which, when connected together, form a cohesive whole. The lintel’s images comprise the most complete Life of the Buddha displayed in the Longmen Grottoes.
The fourth niche from the left in the upper tier of the south wall has an ogee arched lintel with a seated Buddha in the center. The Buddha is flanked by heavenly beings, who kneel making offerings, as their stoles swirl in the air. Below them is a row of seated Buddhas.