Anyue Mingshan Temple Rock Carvings Niche 3: Manjusri Bodhisattva

CHINA, Sichuan, Ziyang; Northern Song dynasty

Niche 3 is a large, rectangular niche with a flat ceiling. It measures 6.5 m wide, 6.4 m high, and 3 m deep. The inscription on the lintel of the niche reads, “Manifestation of Manjusri Bodhisattva.”
Standing at the center of the niche is Manjusri Bodhisattva. Manjusri wears a loose monastic robe, ornaments, and a tall decorative headdress with hanging ribbons. The Bodhisattva’s face is round, with closed eyes and a slight smile. One hand holds a sutra, while the other is held horizontally in front of the chest. This figure is exquisitely sculpted, with smooth, precise lines and a rich, detailed texture. On the back wall behind Manjusri are small circular niches of varying sizes containing carvings of eight seated Buddhas.