Cave 19, West Side

Northern Wei, 260-265 AD
Yungang Grottoes, Datong

This beautiful carving is a pinnacle of the sculptor's art. With right hand in abhaya mudra and legs spread in "Western" style, it might represent Shakyamuni or other historical Buddhas. The eyes are detailed with pupils of dark glass or stone, and the large, "dish-plate" ears (my term) are prominent as in the other sculptures from this group of caves.