Mogao Cave 159: Niche Sculptures

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Located on the back (west) wall of the main chamber, this niche originally housed a central Buddha statue, along with the disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda, two Bodhisattvas, and two Heavenly Kings.
While the six smaller figures remain, the main Buddha statue has been removed, leaving only the double-layered nimbus and aureole painted on the back wall. The inner layers of the nimbus are decorated with circular and semicircular floral patterns, and the aureole is embellished with a scrolling leaf pattern. The outer layer of both the nimbus and aureole are decorated with flame patterns.
Mahakasyapa, wearing a robe draped over the left shoulder and raising his hands to his chest, stands on the right beside the Buddha. Ananda is on the left; he is portrayed as a young monk with a gentle and pure demeanor.
The two Bodhisattvas have curved brows and full cheeks. They stand in tribhanga posture, and their hands gesture elegantly. The Bodhisattva on the left wears floral-patterned celestial garments, while the Bodhisattva on the right is clad in a stole and a long lower garment. The Heavenly Kings both wear armor and stand upon demons. One wears a helmet while the other has a topknot. The disciples, Bodhisattvas, and Heavenly Kings are all well preserved and display highly refined painting and sculpting techniques. Particularly impressive are the floral patterns and scrolling leaves in bright and varied colors found on the garments of the Bodhisattvas and Heavenly Kings.