Mogao Cave 194

Mogao Cave 194 was constructed during High Tang (705-781AD). Cave 194, constructed in later period of High Tang, has a square main chamber and a truncated pyramidal ceiling. The square niche in the west wall has a nine-figure group one Buddha, two bhiksus, two Bodhisattvas, two lokapalas and two guarding warriors. The two Bodhisattvas are masterpieces. The one on the south side has a double-circled chignon, a plump and round face, beautiful eyebrows, thin eyes,
tall nose, red lip and green beard. His left arm bends upward, right hand hangs down, waist bends inwards slightly while the belly protrudes a little. His skirts is mainly green, decorated with small curving tendril motifs, looking elegant and gentle. The opposite one has a towering chignon with naked upper body in slanting scarves and lower body in dhoti, looking haughtier and less elegant. Both the lokapalas in black boots, chest protectors and fighting robes are also unique and outstanding art works. Especially the one on the south side smiles slightly in no less awful appearance. Me barefoot guarding warriors outside the niche with hair tied and in colored dhotis are sculptured with exaggerated but reasonable muscularity. The whole group, with green as its main tone, is not stereotyped in forms.