Yungang Grotto 17: Standing Buddha

CHINA, Shanxi, Datong; Northern Wei dynasty

This sculpture is situated on the left side of the west wall within a trapezoidal niche. The Buddha stands barefoot on a lotus pedestal with one hand forming the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra before the chest. The facial features include a prominent nose, thin eyes and eyebrows, and elongated earlobes. The statue has a robust physique, accentuated by the folds of the robe worn over both shoulders. The ornately detailed nimbus behind the Buddha is relatively well preserved, and is intricately decorated with lotus petals, Buddha images, and flame patterns. Surrounding the main Buddha are numerous small trapezoidal niches, each sculpted with a seated Buddha figure. On the niche lintel are carvings of apsaras.