Mogao Cave 419: Buddha Pentad

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

These sculptures are within the back (west) wall niche in the main chamber and include Sakyamuni Buddha, two disciples, and two Bodhisattvas. Sakyamuni Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne and forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. The Buddha has a low usnisa, a round face, and a thick torso, and wears a patched robe which hangs down over the throne in heavy folds.
The disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda stand at the Buddha’s side. Mahakasyapa has a square face with deep wrinkles and a solemn appearance. The figure wears a monastic robe and black boots, holding an alms bowl in one hand and forming a fist with the other hand. Ananda has a round face and a high forehead. He wears a monastic robe and square-toed shoes. The two attendant Bodhisattvas stand along the side walls of the niche, a noticeable change in arrangement which occurred after the Northern Dynasties (386–581). The Bodhisattvas are plump and their faces express tranquility. They wear celestial garments and stand barefoot on lotus pedestals.