Longmen Grottoes - Binyang Grottoes

The three Binyang Grottoes were created between the 6th and 7th C on the orders of the Xuanwu Emperor as an act of veneration to his parents. The middle one dating from 500-523 is of historical importance. It contains, on its back wall, a statue of Shakyamuni, flanked by two disciples and ten Bodhisattvas, and along each side wall a central Buddha between two further Bodhisattwas.

These sculptures are distinguished by their narrow faces, outstretched bodies and richly draped clothes - all features which are characteristic of the art of sculpture in the Northern Wei epoch.

Only three of the original four bas-reliefs on the two side walls have survived. They depict episodes from the life of Shakyamuni.