Statue of Ananda

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Statue of Ananda is one of Buddha sculptures in Grotto No.45 of Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang. It is a treasure among colored clay sculptures of the Tang Dynasty. Ananda is one of disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni, who is described with “the face like complete moon and eyes like green lotus” in sutra. This artwork accurately reflfl ects such portray. Ananda looks like a young monk who crosses hands before lower abdomen, stands in the shape of S and seems to listen to preaching of Buddha Shakyamuni. The handsome face carries slight smile. Every visitor can feel comfortable at sight of Statue of Ananda.

Face

Statue of Ananda embodies humanistic ideal of holding oneself aloof from worldly success and keeping leniency. Plump face on white and tender skin is like complete moon in autumn. Bridge of the nose is high and elegant. The mouth is plump, which contains smart charm. The statue with kind eyes seems to ponder over something, which looks like a blooming lotus.

Colorful painting of clay sculpture

Colorful painting of clay sculpture is also known as “colorful sculpture”. Supporting backbone is made, on which clay, fiber and other materials are sealed. And then the sculpture is modeled by means of piling, hammering, scraping, pinching and blowing, which is completed after drying, powder application and painting. Ancient clay sculptures are all painted in colors. There is a saying goes: “sculpture accounts for one third, while painting accounts for two third”.

Ananda

Ananda is the youngest among ten disciples of Buddha Shakyamuni. He used to be patrilineal younger brother of Shakyamuni, and then he followed Buddha Shakyamuni for 20 years. With good memory, he is praised as No.1 in terms of erudition. In Buddha statues, Buddha Shakyamuni is accompanied by two disciples, i.e., young Ananda and old Kasyapa.

Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang

Mogao Grottoes is known as Thousand Buddha Cave, which is located under Mingsha Mountain in the south Dunhuang, Gansu. It was initially chiseled in the 2nd year of Jianyuan Period of Qianqin Dynasty (366), which flfl ourished in the peak period of the Tang Dynasty. 492 grottoes embrace murals and statues of the Northern Wei Dynasty, the Western Wei Dynasty, the Northern Zhou Dynasty, the Sui Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty, the Five Dynasties, the Song Dynasty, the Western Xia Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty. Mogao Grottoes is praised as a world-class culture and art treasure house.