Mogao Cave 46: Niche Sculptures

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

These sculptures within a niche on the back (west) wall of the main chamber date to the High Tang period (712–756). They originally included a Buddha, two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, and two Heavenly Kings, but the Bodhisattva on the left is now missing.
The Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. He has an urna, a large usnisa, and tightly curled hair. The left hand forms the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. The Buddha wears a robe which crosses the left shoulder and partly covers the right shoulder. On the right, the disciple Mahakasyapa is depicted as an elder monk with a determined gaze. The disciple Ananda, sculpted on the left, is youthful with child-like features, and stands slightly askew. The attendant Bodhisattva on the right has a round face and hair tied in a high topknot. The figure is bare-chested, wears a long dhoti tied around the waist, and stands in tribhanga posture. Both Heavenly Kings stand on pedestals and wear armor. Their hair is tied in topknots and they have wide, glaring eyes.