Yungang Grotto 19: Sakyamuni Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located on the back (north) wall, this sculpture of Sakyamuni Buddha measures 16.8 m in height and occupies the majority of the grotto. The sculpture depicts Sakyamuni with a low usnisa, elongated earlobes, and a rounded face. The facial features are proportionate and the body has a robust build. The Buddha wears monastic robes that drape over one shoulder and are decorated with line carvings of honeysuckle patterns. One hand forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra at the chest, while the other rests palm-up on the lap, holding a corner of the robe. The carving of the hands is particularly realistic with details such as proportionate joints and fingernails. The nimbus behind the Buddha has suffered weathering, and its patterns can no longer be discerned. In the remaining wall space around the Buddha are carvings of the Thousand Buddhas, with each figure sitting in full lotus position within a shallow niche.