Dazu Rock Carvings Beishan Cave 136: Manjusri Bodhisattva

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

Located on the south wall, Manjusri Bodhisattva sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne carried by a lion. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress and a monastic robe, and is surrounded by a flaming nimbus and a lightly engraved aureole. Manjusri holds a sutra in one hand, and forms a mudra in front of the chest with the other.
The lion carrying Manjusri is depicted with a fierce appearance and wears a bell. It has wide, flaring nostrils, and its opened mouth displays sharp teeth. The lion keeper is located on the left, standing at 1.08 m high, he is depicted wearing a helmet, full body armor, and a pair of sturdy riding boots. One of his foot is placed forwards, as if walking.
An inscription above the statue states that the sponsors of both Manjusri and Samantabhadra are Zhao Pengnian, a civil official from the Changzhou, and his wife. The carvings were made in 1143 during the Southern Song dynasty.