ABCs of Longmen: the origin of Huangfugong Cave
Updated: 2016-01-19
The Huangfugong Cave in Longmen Grottoes is located in the upper south side of Guyang Cave. The cave was built in 527 during Northern Wei Dynasty (AD 386-534), with integrated planning and is now under sound preservation.
The inscription on the stele outside the cave states that the cave was funded by Huangfu Du, a senior official in Northern Wei. Thus the cave got named Huangfugong Cave (Huangfugong is a honorific of the man surnamed Huangfu). Small as it is, the cave has a compact structure and substantial statues. Boasting neat cave formation, varied niches and elegant carvings, it has been viewed as the representative work of the Northern Wei period.
Huangfu Du was said to be the maternal uncle of Empress Dowager Hu. He was highly regarded by the empress dowager and Xiaoming Emperor (the 10th emperor in Northern Wei) and occupied an important position in the imperial court. Huangfu took advantage of his post and collected substantial wealth. He opened the cave to ingratiate himself with the empress dowager and the emperor.
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| The Huangfugong Cave in Longmen Grottoes |
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| Carvings in Huangfugong Cave |
