Shizhongshan Grottoes Niche 8

CHINA, Yunnan, Dali

Located in the vicinity of Shizhong Temple, Niche 8 is made up of several individual niches, with the central niche containing the main sculpture. The niches, including the shallow ones surrounding the main, deeper niche, are arranged in two tiers. The upper tier is made up of five arched niches, which, according to the inscription above the main niche, were sculpted in 1179. The area above the niches is decorated with lotus flowers and leaves.
The central niche on the upper tier is 69 cm wide, 89 cm high, and 65 cm deep. Inside, the side walls contain images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas carved in low relief. A Buddha in a monastic robe sits barefoot on a lotus platform supported by a Sumeru throne in the middle of the left wall. Both hands form the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The head and body are circumscribed by a nimbus and an aureole, respectively. Before the Buddha are three Bodhisattvas: Mahasthamaprapta, Avalokitesvara, and Ksitigarbha.
The shallow niches to the left and right of the central niche each contain a sculpture of a Heavenly King. Dhrtarastra, wearing a phoenix-feather headdress and armor, is located on the left side. In his right hand he holds a sword, and in his left is a pipa. His feet trample two yaksas. A nimbus encircles his head. Vaisravana is on the right side of the central niche. His right hand holds a trident, while his left arm is bent to support a pagoda.
The two outermost niches are similar in appearance, sculpted with Buddhas, Dharma protectors, and other sculptures. Five smaller arched niches on the lower tier are sculpted with images of Buddhas and officials; however, these have been almost completely ruined.