Dazu Rock Carvings Beishan Cave 136: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

CHINA, Chongqing, Dazu; Southern Song dynasty

This statue is located on the north wall of the cave, directly opposite Manjusri Bodhisattva. According to the inscription above the Manjusri carving, both works were sponsored by a devotee named Zhao Pengnian.
Samantabhadra is 1.1 m high and sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne. The throne is placed atop a six-tusked elephant, 97 cm high, which is being led by a mahout. Samantabhadra wears a tall headdress, flowing garments, a long stole, and chest ornaments. One hand holds a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman). Surrounding the Bodhisattva is a flaming nimbus and a plain, lightly engraved aureole.
Samantabhadra’s elephant wears an ornament on its head and has a damaged trunk. The mahout, 1.09 m high, has a round face, wide eyes, and a wrinkled brow. He holds the elephant’s reins in both hands.