Dazu Rock Carvings Beishan Niche 245: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Tang dynasty

This niche is carved according to descriptions of the Western Pure Land in the Amitayurdhyana Sutra. It is 2.6 m wide, 4.7 m high, and 1.2 m deep. An Amitabha Buddha Triad is located in the center of the niche: Amitabha Buddha is in the center, flanked by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. Each figure sits on a lotus throne and has a canopy above their heads.
Above the triad, there is an intricately detailed depiction of the Western Pure Land. Numerous Bodhisattvas and children sit or stand in and among shrines, on platforms, along corridors, by fences, and on bridges. Many of the figures have their palms joined. Carvings of the waters with eight virtues, where some beings are reborn from lotuses while others row in boats, can be found on the south and north walls. Bodhisattvas, all of whom sit on lotus thrones and have palms joined, are arranged along the lower tier of these walls. In total, there are over 560 carved figures in this niche; the largest is 54 cm in height, while the smallest is just 2.5 cm. On the ceiling, a central lotus flower is surrounded by apsaras, clouds, a conch shell, and various musical instruments such as a zither, reed instrument, pipa, harp, and drum.