Bazhong Rock Carvings Northern Niches

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

The Northern Niches are located within the Northern Niche Temple, 1 km north of Bazhong on the northern bank of the Ba River. Construction at the site began during the rule of Emperor Zhenguan (reigned 627-649) of the Tang dynasty and reached its peak during the High Tang period (712–756). Many of the existing inscriptions, as well as some funerary pagodas, were carved during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). The niches are scattered along the cliff about 1 m above the ground, stretching 100 m in length and up to 8 m in height. There are currently 34 niches containing 348 sculptures. The most common themes are Sakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, Medicine Buddha, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the Seven Buddhas of the Past, and the Buddhas of the Past, Present, and Future. Unfortunately, the majority of the sculptures have suffered severe weathering and damage. Niches 1, 2, 7, 13, 14, 23, and 29 contain some of the best preserved Tang dynasty sculptures at the site.
Niches 1 and 2 each contain a Buddha Triad, while Niche 7 has three layers of lintels, and originally contained a Buddha, two disciples, four Bodhisattvas, and two Heavenly Kings; unfortunately, most of the sculptures have been destroyed. Niche 13 features Maitreya Buddha accompanied by two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, and two warriors. Many of the sculptures in Niche 14 are damaged, but the Medicine Buddha and two disciples have been restored. On the altar in the center of the left wall are carvings of three Bodhisattvas and two yaksas. There are also four reliefs of apsaras and nagas on the niche wall, and four yaksas sculpted under the altar. Niche 23 is located on the highest part of the temple and contains a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and another figure.