Shizhongshan Grottoes Niche 2

CHINA, Yunnan, Dali

Built on the cliff face beside Shizhong Temple, Niche 2 was sculpted during the Dali Kingdom (937–1253). It measures 1.53 m wide, 1.95 m high, and 0.7 m deep. The 16 figures in this niche are the most numerous among the Shizhongshan Grottoes’ niches and depict King Geluofeng (reigned 748–779) and his retinue. The niche has eaves with three tiers and an arched ceiling.
King Geluofeng is seated on the central throne, which is decorated with two dragon heads. He wears a tall crown and is clothed in loose robes. To the king’s right are six other figures, and to his left, there are seven. Master Gepi sits on the left; he holds a string of prayer beads in his left hand, while holding the right hand in front of his abdomen. A canopy hangs over him. There are two guards, each carrying a long sword, on either side of the throne. There is also a robed official on both side walls of the niche. Unfortunately, their heads have been removed.
Geluofeng was the fifth king of the Nanzhao Kingdom (752–902). A talented leader, he was twice victorious against the Tang army, unifying the entire Yunnan region and leading the Nanzhao Kingdom to its greatest prosperity. Thus, King Geluofeng was idolized as a great guardian by the Nanzhao people, and was sanctified in this religious grotto as a figure of the Benzu tradition.