Yungang Grotto 16: Sakyamuni Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

Located on the back (north) wall, this standing Sakyamuni Buddha measures 13.5 m in height and occupies the majority of the space within the grotto. The lower portion of the statue has suffered severe weathering and deterioration, but the upper portion remains relatively well preserved.
The Buddha is portrayed with elongated earlobes, a broad forehead, a prominent nose, and a slight smile on the lips. One hand forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra at the chest, while the other gestures at waist level. The Buddha wears a loose monastic robe tied at the waist and draped across one arm. The sleeves are wide, giving the garment an overall style similar to that of the robes worn by scholars during the Southern Dynasties (420–589). The style of clothing suggests that this carving was completed before the year 494.