GUYANG CAVE

Below, it is the oldest ensemble of Longmen. The work began prior to the transfer of the capital from Datong to Luoyang, but its development, commanded by Emperor Xiaowen, began in 494. The beauty of Guyang is the result of an impressive imperial patronage: Following Emperor Xiaowen, his mother and brothers, as well as his uncles, aunts and cousins, and succeeding generations became important benefactors of Longmen. This natural, horseshoe-shaped cave houses a Sakyamuni statue of 4,80 m high, sitting on a stage, the legs crossed and dressed in the traditional kasaya (monk clothing). Buddha is surrounded by two bodhisattvas preceded by a statue of lion whose body appears incomplete. From all the caves of Longmen, Guyang is the one with the greatest number of jatakas (bas-reliefs depicting the life of Buddha). Nineteen of the more beautiful calligraphy of Longmen accompany the sculptures of the cave of Guyang.