Anyue Mingshan Temple Rock Carvings Niche 5: Vairocana Buddha

CHINA, Sichuan, Ziyang; Northern Song dynasty

This large, arch-shaped niche originally had an outer wall which has since collapsed. At present, it measures 3.8 m wide, 6.4 m high, and 2 m deep. The only carving in the niche is a large, standing Vairocana Buddha.
Vairocana is depicted wearing a monastic robe with long sleeves, an inner robe tied at the waist, and a tall headdress carved with floral patterns and draped ribbons. The folds in the robes are carved with simple, smooth lines, providing a textural contrast to the intricately carved headdress. The Buddha has a round face, small nose and mouth, and closed eyes. The hands are held together in front of the chest, possibly forming a mudra. The niche wall was inscribed with Chinese characters, but they have suffered weathering and only some remain.