Yungang Grotto 19: Seated Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located in the west chamber, this sculpture depicts a Buddha seated with legs pendent, facing east. The outer wall on the left side of the chamber has partially collapsed, but the carvings within are relatively well preserved. Based on the style of clothing and general appearance of the sculpture, construction on the figure is believed to have begun between 460 and 465, and been completed between 477 and 499.
The Buddha is approximately 8 m in height, and sits atop a throne carved with a row of figures making offerings. The Buddha has a rounded face with a low usnisa, elongated earlobes, and narrow eyes. The expression is compassionate, with a slight smile on the lips. A monastic robe is worn over both shoulders and detailed with wide, evenly spaced folds. Behind the Buddha, the nimbus and mandorla are both carved in three layers. The inner layer of the nimbus features a ring of lotus petals, the middle layer is decorated with Buddha images, and the outer layer shows Bodhisattvas making offerings. The mandorla is decorated with flame patterns on the inner and outer layers and figures making offerings on the middle layer. The Thousand Buddhas fill the remaining wall space.