Bazhong Rock Carvings Shuining Temple Niche 2

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

Located on the mountain cliff behind Shuining Temple, Niche 2 has a rectangular opening containing a smaller inner niche with a lintel above. The interior of the niche measures 1.18 m in width, 1.34 m in height, and 0.8 m in depth. The lintel is carved with open work patterns and hanging tassels. Carved columns decorated with lotus patterns give the impression that they are holding up the lintel as a canopy.
Within the niche is Sakyamuni Buddha, seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne, flanked by two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, and five other figures. The Buddha has a flat coiled topknot, a squared face with closed eyes, and broad shoulders. He wears inner and outer monastic robes. Behind the statue is a nimbus and an aureole.
The attendant disciples and Bodhisattvas flanking the Buddha stand facing inward, dignified and composed. At the entrance to the niche stand two warriors and two Heavenly Kings. The Heavenly Kings have a shorter stature, while the two warriors are tall and muscular. On the inner walls of the niche are bas-reliefs of Bodhi trees and blossoming lotuses.