Yunshanpin Temple Caves

CHINA, Shaanxi, Yan’an

These six caves, located in Ansai, were constructed during the Northern Dynasties (386–581). Cave 1 is a vihara cave with no statues inside. Caves 2 and 3 are particularly noteworthy.
Cave 2 has a vaulted ceiling and an altar in the center of the back wall that contains a Buddha. The Buddha is 1.72 m in height and seated in full lotus position. The figure wears a monastic robe with fine and smoothly incised folds. An arched lintel is located above the doorway and is decorated with vine-like patterns. Flanking the exterior wall are two stone pagodas carved from the cliff face.
Cave 3 has a rectangular layout with a vaulted ceiling. The central pillar is shaped like a pagoda, each side of which has three tiers of statues. Images of Sakyamuni Buddha and Maitreya Bodhisattva, depictions of the First Turning of the Dharma Wheel, and various other Bodhisattvas and disciples can be found on the pillar. In addition, there are a total of 72 relief niches, each of which contains a seated Buddha measuring 50 cm in height. Caves 5 and 6 are smaller and feature one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas in each.