This image captures a close view of the colossal reclining Buddha statue within the Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple) in Zhangye, Gansu Province, China

This image captures a close view of the colossal reclining Buddha statue within the Giant Buddha Temple (Dafo Temple) in Zhangye, Gansu Province, China. The scene is dimly lit, presenting the upper torso and face of the Buddha, depicted in a state of parinirvana, resting on its right side. The Buddha's head, massive in scale, occupies the central and right portions of the frame. Its surface is a pale, dusty, and somewhat mottled off-white, with visible signs of age, including surface wear and what appears to be faded gilding or ochre-colored paint beneath the dust. Both eyes are dark, partially open, and appear to gaze forward. A faint red pigment is present on the right cheek, and a vertical stripe of blue paint is visible near the left eye. To the left, a standing attendant figure, likely a bodhisattva or disciple, is partially visible from the mid-torso downwards. Its robes display significant paint loss, showing remnants of faded red, green, and blue pigments over a textured, sculpted surface. The figure stands on a multi-tiered, carved base. In the upper right background, behind and above the Buddha's head, two smaller, pale-faced sculpted figures with dark eyes are discernible in the shadows, suggesting additional attendant sculptures. The Buddha rests on an ornate pedestal. Immediately beneath its head and torso is a horizontal band featuring intricate, carved floral and swirling motifs painted in muted blues, greens, reds, and beige. Below this, a repeating pattern of stylized, inverted U-shaped forms or lotus petals, faded red and bordered in light grey or white, constitutes the visible base. Above the figures, the temple's wooden ceiling structure is visible, comprising dark beams and panels, some of which exhibit faint traces of color. The entire scene conveys a sense of ancient craftsmanship and considerable age, with visible material degradation consistent with historic indoor statuary.