Artist: Tan Yao (patron)
Title: Cave 20 , Amitabha Buddha, detail
Material: sandstone
Site: Yungang, Shansi
Current Location:
Period/Date: Ca. 460-475 C.E. Bei Wei Dynasty
Iconography/Iconology:
Stylistic Comments: In this view the flat folds of drapery across the left shoulder of the Buddha are clearly visible. This convention with its geometric and very mechanical treatment of fabric is actually characteristic of most of the Bei Wei dynasty sculptures of the third quarter of the 5th century. It reflects a clear knowledge of the Indian Gupta period traditions, but is a distinctive Bei Wei period re-interpretation.
