Guyang Cave

Guyang Cave, which is the oldest and biggest cave of Longmen Grottoes as well as the richest in content, was cut in 493 (the seventeenth year of Taihe when Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei Dynasty moved the capital to Luoyang). Quite a number of princes, nobles, high-ranking officials and monks who were in favor of Emperor Xiaowen's decision to launch reforms have erected statues and made vows in this cave. The main chamber is featured with one Buddha, two bodhisattvas on the back wall. There remains a lion under the seat of the Buddha. Three layers of big niches have been cut on the north and south walls. In addition, small niches of different sizes and contents can be found on the walls.

The Buddhist niches are of different styles, with a variety of designs and colors. Within the niches are statues of one Buddha, two bodhisattvas or one standing bodhisattva with two attending bodhisattvas, Sakymuni, Maitreya, etc. The carving style is characteristic of the typical style popular in Northern Wei Dynasty, with Slender Figures and Emaciated Looks. Among the well-known Longmen Twenty Selected Pieces, 19 of them are kept in Guyang Cave.

The calligraphy and stele as reflected in the Longmen Twenty Selected Pieces are outstanding representatives of the tablet inscriptions of the Northern Wei Dynasty.

Publishes at : 07-09-22 00:05

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