Anyue Yuanjue Cave 14: Padmapani Avalokitesvara

CHINA, Sichuan, Ziyang; Northern Song dynasty

The sculpture is located on the back wall of Cave 14. This rectangular cave with a domed ceiling measures 3.9 m wide, 7 m high, and 3.7 m deep. It contains one large sculpture depicting Padmapani Avalokitesvara holding a lotus. An inscription on the right side of the back wall indicates that the cave and the sculpture were created in 1108.
Avalokitesvara stands barefoot on two lotus pedestals, wearing a tall headdress carved with a Buddha image in the center and ribbons hanging down on either side. The Bodhisattva has a round face, partially closed eyes, and a slight smile. The clothing is lavish, including intricate chest ornaments and a multi-layered robe. Behind the figure are a nimbus and a mandorla; around the nimbus are bas-reliefs of scattered flowers. Donor figures are also carved on the cave wall beside an inscription which reads, “deceased father Yang Yuan’ai.” Another inscription states that Yang Zhengqing and his family sponsored the construction of the cave.