Luoyang, Henan, Longmen Caves

7. Fengxian Cave

Some of the earliest constructions were the three Binyang Grottoes, dedicated to an emperor and empress of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386--534), after the capital was transferred to Luoyang. The principal sculpture, five times life-size, displays features typical of that dynasty's Buddhist art: a thin face, large eyes, strait nose, and quiet smile. An inscription reports that these works required the labor of 802,366 craftsmen.