Bazhong Rock Carvings Northern Niche 1

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

Also known as the Medicine Buddha Niche and dates to the Early Tang period (618–712), this niche is located on the west end of Northern Niche Temple. It is small and rectangular, measuring 59 cm wide, 73 cm high, and 14 cm deep. The niche is framed with a pattern of circles and squares, and contains a Medicine Buddha Triad. The Medicine Buddha is featured in the center, flanked by Avalokitesvara and Ksitigarbha.
The Medicine Buddha stands barefoot on a lotus pedestal, wearing a loose monastic robe. One hand holds a monk’s staff, while the other hand appears to have been damaged. Behind the Buddha’s head is a petal-shaped nimbus, and the body is encircled by an oblong aureole.
Typical portrayals of the Medicine Buddha are with Suryaprabha and Candraprabha Bodhisattvas, however, in this niche, the Buddha is accompanied by Avalokitesvara on the right and Ksitigarbha on the left. Avalokitesvara has hair tied up in a double topknot decorated with a flower, and wears a wide sleeved, garment. The Bodhisattva holds a cup at chest level with both hands. Ksitigarbha is depicted as a monk, wearing a round-collared upper garment with wide sleeves and a shawl draped across the shoulders. Both hands hold an alms bowl. These well preserved niche statues were restored during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911).