Meditating Buddha

Cave #259, 442-534 AD. Northern Wei Dynasty
Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

Although this statue has always been described as a meditating Buddha, the hand gesture seen here - with the back of the right hand facing outwards - is not the usual dhyana mudra. The Buddha's face, with half-opened eyes, projects a sweet, almost blissful, expression.

The Northern Wei dynasty began in 386 AD, but Dunhuang did not pass into its control until 439.