Lingquan Temple Caves Dazhu Cave: Maitreya Buddha Niche

CHINA, Henan, Anyang; Sui dynasty

Located on the east wall, the niche is 1.72 m in width, 1.94 m in height, and 0.2 m in depth. The Buddha triad inside the niche consists of Maitreya Buddha flanked by one disciple and one Bodhisattva.
The head of Maitreya is damaged, which leaves the statue with a height of 0.95 m. Above Maitreya’s petal-shaped nimbus, an inscription bears the Buddha’s name. A monastic robe covers both shoulders of Maitreya’s robust body. Maitreya’s left hand rests upon the left knee and the right hand forms the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. Seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne, the fabric of Maitreya’s thin monastic robe drapes neatly over the throne.
A disciple and an attendant Bodhisattva, both of whose heads and hands are damaged, stand on round pedestals and flank the Buddha. The disciple, 1.22 m in height, stands to the right of the Buddha. The Bodhisattva, 1.2 m in height, stands on the left. Their bodies appear sturdy and strong. The attire is simple and unadorned. The evident emphasis on integrity and unity in the sculpting conveys a tranquil and compassionate theme that was typical among Sui dynasty (581–618) sculptures.