Longmen style

The Longmen style of Chinese art is characterized by Buddha images depicted in the attire of a Chinese scholar. These figures feature a flowing cascade of drapery over a flattened form, distinguishing them from the more robust, blockier style found at the Yungang caves.12

The Longmen caves themselves are a significant series of Buddhist cave temples carved into a riverbank near Luoyang, dating back to the Northern Wei dynasty. While the Yungang style is considered an earlier form, the Longmen style represents a development that became prominent, particularly in the caves created after the capital moved to Luoyang. This style emphasizes linear qualities, a hallmark of much Chinese art, where the brushstroke and rhythmic movement are paramount.234