South Xiangtangshan Grotto 1: Western Pure Land

CHINA, Hebei, Handan; Northern Qi dynasty

In Grottoes 1 and 2 of the South Xiangtangshan Grottoes, on the front wall of the main chamber above the grotto entrance, there are reliefs depicting various scenes from Amitabha Buddha’s Western Pure Land.
The illustration in Grotto 1 can be divided into upper and lower sections. The upper section depicts Amitabha Buddha teaching the Dharma flanked by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. Eight Bodhisattvas seated in full lotus position on lotus thrones are located behind the Amitabha Buddha Triad. The 11 figures in the center are flanked by four standing Bodhisattvas on each side. A flower canopy is depicted above the head of Amitabha Buddha, on top of which are seven seated Buddhas.
Pavilions with Buddhas and Bodhisattvas can be found on the the far end of each side. Flying apsaras appear above the pavilions and on both sides of the canopy. In the lower part of the illustration there is a lotus pond, in the center of which is a lotus throne supporting an object that looks like an alms bowl. There are lotus-born children in the water and around the pond.
The illustrations of the Western Pure Land in Grottoes 1 and 2 and the Amitabha Buddha Triad in Grottoes 4 and 6 provide evidence of the importance of the Western Pure Land in the Xiangtangshan Grottoes.