Xumishan Grotto 105: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

CHINA, Ningxia, Guyuan; Tang dynasty

Situated on the north side of the central pillar of this grotto there is an arched niche. Inside sits a statue of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, 2.6 m in height, and flanked by two attendants. Ksitigarbha takes the form of a monk with a round face carved in great detail. The Bodhisattva wears a monastic robe that hangs over both shoulders. The left hand touches the knee, while the right hand is missing. Ksitigarbha sits in the relaxation posture with the robe ends draped over the edge of the Sumeru throne. A three-layer nimbus is on the wall in the background, with a flaming jewel above it. The two attendant Bodhisattvas beside Ksitigarbha stand on lotus pedestals. The Bodhisattva to the right has been completely weathered, while the other one is missing the face and hands. Remnants of the nimbuses of the two flanking attendants are faintly visible on the wall. The lines on the statues flow naturally, and the incised folds on the figures’ clothing attest to the sculptors’ exquisite skills.