Evolution of Aesthetic Style of Northern Dynasty Statues in Maijishan Grottoes

Abstract: The statues carved during the early Northern Dynasty in Maijishan Grottoes inherited the tradition of physiognomy since Qin and Han Dynasties,  that of the character appraisal during the late Han and early Wei Dynasties, and  the aesthetic trend of emphasizing “the backbone/strength of characters” in the  literary and artistic theories of Wei and Jin Dynasties. They also absorbed and  merged the styles of Indian statues of Gindra, Mathurā, and Gupta. As a result,  they manifested the robust beauty of strength, reflecting the vigor and energy  of the Xianbei people during their blooming period. The aesthetic style of the  statues carved during the middle and late Northern Dynasty in Maijishan  Grottoes changed from emphasizing “backbone/ strength” to advocating  “romantic charm” (going after elegancy and vividness), and thus manifested a  feminine beauty of grace and tranquility. It was a reflection of the concern of  metaphysics and Buddhism in the Wei and Jin Dynasties about “the form and  the spirit” and the spirit-oriented and connotation- oriented aesthetic trend  resulted from this concern. On this basis, it absorbed and integrated the  aesthetic judgment and statue style of the Southern Dynasty. No matter whether  it attached importance to the “strength” or the “spirit” of the statue, the artistic  connotation of the statues was primarily expressed through the facial features  such as eyes and mouth, and the posture, and lines of clothing.

CAQ Vol.6,No.3,03