Dazu Rock Carvings Beishan Cave 180: Thirteen Manifestations of Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Northern Song dynasty

Situated in the central section of the Beishan site, this rectangular cave has a flat ceiling and is 3.79 m wide, 3.75 m high, and 3.17 m deep. According to the inscription at the top of the north wall, the statues were sponsored by Deng Weiming in 1116 and dedicated to his family.
In the center of the cave, there is a freestanding statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sitting in royal ease posture on a Sumeru throne. The Bodhisattva wears a tall headdress, a necklace, and a flowing garment. There are two lotuses on the ground in front of the throne. A nimbus is behind the Bodhisattva, and a round canopy is featured on the ceiling above the statue.
There are standing Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statues along the side walls of the cave, each around 1.92 m in height. The Bodhisattvas wear earrings, tall headdresses, and clothing of various colors. There is a nimbus behind each figure’s head. They hold a variety of objects including a bowl, small basket, jade seal, vase, whisk, willow branch, wish-fulfilling jewel, ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman), and prayer beads. Unfortunately, some of the statues have been damaged due to severe weathering.