Bazhong Rock Carvings Shuining Temple Niche 1

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

Located on the north end of the cliff behind Shuining Temple, Niche 1 dates to the High Tang period (712–756) and has a rectangular opening with an inner lintel carved in the shape of a curved canopy. It measures 0.95 m in width, 1.63 m in height, and 0.32 m in depth. The carvings in the niche were restored during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911).
The Medicine Buddha stands in the center of the niche on a round pedestal flanked by two Bodhisattvas. Clothed in monastic robes, the Medicine Buddha is 1.42 m high and has curled hair, a round face, elongated earlobes, and arched eyebrows. The left hand supports a medicine bowl while the right hand is lowered, holding a monk’s staff. Behind his head is a double-ringed petal-shaped nimbus.
Flanking the Medicine Buddha are Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. Measuring 1.25 m high, each Bodhisattva wears a tall open work headdress, while their bodies are adorned with numerous ornaments. Avalokitesvara holds a vase and a willow branch, while Mahastamaprapta holds a sash and a whisk. At the niche entrance, there are two fearsome warriors, measuring 1.1 m high, depicted with wrathful expressions and bare, muscular upper bodies.