Danleng Rock Carvings Niche 64: Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Sichuan, Meishan; Tang dynasty

This oblong niche with a flat ceiling contains 123 sculptures. The niche is 1.2 m wide, 1.25 m high, and 0.9 m deep. The lintel is sculpted with reliefs of curled tentrils. The main feature of the niche is the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue, which is seated cross-legged on a layered throne. The face of the statue has been damaged. Above the figure is a small Buddha seated under a canopy. Avalokitesvara wears a loose robe and a stole draped across the body, along with a beaded necklace. One of the front pairs of the Bodhisattva’s hands join at the abdomen, forming the dhyana (meditation) mudra, while the other front pair has palms joined at the chest. The arms on the side of the Bodhisattva hold various Dharma instruments, most of which have been severely damaged. There are three rings of evenly arranged small hands behind the Bodhisattva, and on the walls to the side are reliefs of figures such as Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara, Mahesvara, Lightning Deity, Wind Deity, Thunder Deity, and Rain Deity.