Artist: Unknown
Title: Fenxian Tung (Cave 19),Vairochana Buddha's Attendant, Bodhisattva
Material: hard limestone
Site: Longmen, Henan
Current Location:
Period/Date: Dedicated in 675 C.E., Tang dynasty
Iconography/Iconology: This image is probably the Bodhisattva Manjushri, who normally appears to Buddha Vairochana's proper left. He is the demonstration of the Buddha's attainment of transcendental wisdom (prajna). The corresponding bodhisattva, Samantabadra, representing the Buddha's attainment of absolute comapssion (karuna), is generally depicted on the proper right of the Buddha. In the case of cave 19, the two bodhisattvas are portrayed without iconographic distinctions, therefore making precise identification impossible.
Stylistic Comments: The robes of the bodhisattva is based closely on the Indian tradition. He wears only a lower garment (dhoti) wrapped skirt-like around the waist. The upper body is left bare, except for scarves draped around his shoulders. His jewelry is shown in the typical; Chinese manner, having its origins in the Sui period and continuing into the mid Tang times. This composite style demonstrates a real integration of the Indic and Chinese traditions, resulting in a convention that survives the next several centuries of Chinese Buddhist art.
