Mogao Cave 158: Kasyapa and Maitreya Buddhas

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Kasyapa and Maitreya Buddhas are enshrined on the south and north walls of the main chamber, respectively. Together with the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha that reclines in front of the back (west) wall, they represent the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future. All three statues date from the Mid-Tang period (756–846).
Kasyapa, the Buddha of the past, stands barefoot upon an inverted lotus pedestal on the south wall, near the head of Sakyamuni Buddha. Gazing downward, the round-faced figure has a usnisa, curled hair, and elongated earlobes. The hands of the statue are damaged. The Buddha wears a green inner robe and an ocher red outer robe, with lattices formed around circular floral patterns.
The statue of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, is seated with legs pendent on a throne in front of the north wall, near the feet of Sakyamuni Buddha. Maitreya Buddha also has a round face, a usnisa, and an ocher red outer robe decorated with lattice and circular floral patterns.