Guangyuan Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings Cave 535: Buddha Triad

CHINA, Sichuan, Guangyuan; Tang dynasty

Located on the north wall of the cave, this niche is sculpted with a Buddha flanked by two Bodhisattvas, but the Bodhisattva on the left is damaged.
The central Buddha sits in full lotus position on a square throne that has four small niches containing figures along the bottom section at the front. The Buddha’s hands form the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. He has a high usnisa decorated with a jewel, thin eyes, a rounded nose and mouth, and arched eyebrows accented with black ink. The neck is decorated with an elaborate ornament, and a monastic robe is draped across one shoulder. The characteristics of this statue are typical of Bodhi Figure depictions, which illustrate the auspicious signs during Sakyamuni Buddha’s enlightenment.
The 1.74 m high Bodhisattva on the right stands barefoot on a lotus pedestal, wearing a long garment, stoles, and ornaments. One hand holds a whisk while the other grasps a stole. A nimbus is carved on the wall behind the Bodhisattva. The wall behind the carvings is a warm red; the Buddha’s nimbus is accented in dark green and the Bodhisattva’s is yellow.