Maijishan Grotto 133: Buddha Triad Niche

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Northern Wei dynasty

The niche, in the left side of the back wall in the front chamber and sculpted in the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534), contains one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas preserved in good condition. The 1.2 m high, freestanding Buddha is seated on a rectangular throne in full lotus posture. The Buddha has a high usnisa, and an urna is rendered between the eyebrows. A round nimbus is painted on the wall behind the Buddha’s head. The nose is prominent and the eyes are fine. The Buddha is depicted with a slim body. Both hands of the Buddha have broken off. The Buddha wears an outer monastic robe that covers both shoulders, as well as an inner robe. The lower part of the garment trails over the throne. The two attendant Bodhisattvas that flank the Buddha are 1.03 m in height and stand on semicircular pedestals. These two Bodhisattvas have similar appearances. The head of the Bodhisattva on the left, with a high topknot, is encircled by an oval nimbus. The right hand is placed at shoulder height, while the left hand holds an object near the abdomen. Wearing Chinese clothing, the Bodhisattva is draped with a billowing stole. The topknot of the Bodhisattva on the right is damaged and the hand gesture is similar to that of the Bodhisattva on the left. This Bodhisattva also wears a Chinese garment. The sculpted figures embody significant features of locally produced sculpture.