Dazu Rock Carvings Shimenshan Cave 6: Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

The walls of this cave are covered with images of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Each figure wears a headdress, chest ornaments, bracelets, a robe, and long, draping stoles. Behind each statue are a flame-shaped mandorla and a round nimbus. Each Bodhisattva stands barefoot with each foot on a lotus pedestal carved to appear as if they are growing from vases below.
On the right wall, beginning with the outermost statue, the figures hold a willow branch, a fan, a sutra, a basket, and a vase. On the left wall, the outermost statue holds prayer beads, then a wish-fulfilling jewel, a lotus, a mirror, and a jewel.