Mogao Cave 196: Altar Sculptures

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

The surviving sculptures on the central altar in the main chamber of Cave 196 consist of a seated Buddha, two disciples, one Bodhisattva, and one Heavenly King. The missing Bodhisattva and Heavenly King on the left were destroyed in an earthquake in 1920. The statue of the disciple Ananda was also partially damaged.
Sitting in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne, the Buddha has curled hair and a serene expression. His robe hangs over both shoulders and is wrapped tightly around both legs. Ornate drapery hangs over the front of the throne. A nimbus and an aureole are painted on the screen wall behind the Buddha. Ananda, on the left, has delicate features and appears youthful. He wears a robe that leaves the right shoulder exposed. On the right is Mahakasyapa, standing barefoot on a lotus pedestal. He has a sharp gaze and slightly parted lips, and wears monastic robes decorated with landscape motifs. The Bodhisattva beside Mahakasyapa sits on a throne and has a round face, long eyebrows, broad shoulders, and a slender waist. One foot hangs down naturally, and the other is tucked up beside the body. The Heavenly King on the far right appears wrathful and valiant. Wearing armor and a helmet, he stands upon a crouching demon. His right hand rests on his waist, while the left is raised at shoulder level.