Yuanzishan Cave

CHINA, Shanxi, Jinzhong

Yuanzishan Cave is constructed on the southwestern side of a small hill located northwest of Wuyuan village, 15 km northwest of Yushe in Jinzhong. The site includes a cave and six small niches. Based on the shape of the cave, the combinations and styles of the sculptures, and the inscriptions by the donors, it is believed that the cave and niches were constructed between 520 and 530 during the Northern Wei dynasty.
The cave has a square layout and a truncated pyramidal ceiling. It measures 2.72 m wide, 2.68 m high, and 2.25 m deep. The center and four slopes of the ceiling are each sculpted with a lotus, and there are illustrations of apsaras making offerings along the edges. The Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future are carved on platforms along three of the walls. The walls are also decorated with the Thousand Buddhas at the top and donors at the bottom. The back wall contains a Buddha and two disciples, and each of the side walls has a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas. The Buddha on the right wall stands, while the Buddha on the left wall sits with legs pendent. Although most of the statues’ heads are damaged, the torsos are relatively well-preserved with distinct characteristics. The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas have delicate features and are dressed in loose robes tied at the waist. The Bodhisattvas’ faces are oval with slightly plump chins similar to those found in the Yungang Grottoes and Longmen Grottoes created during the late Northern Wei dynasty (386–534).
The six small niches are identical in layout with a Buddha, two disciples, and two Bodhisattvas contained in each. They underwent different degrees of damage and weathering but the sculptures still retain the delicate features of the late Northern Wei dynasty.