Bazhong Rock Carvings Northern Niche 13

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

Dating to the Early Tang period (618–712), Northern Niche 13 is also known as Maitreya Buddha Niche. It is double-layered with a rectangular opening and an inner circular arch. It measures 1.1 m in width, 1.5 m in height, and 0.6 m in depth. The inner arch is decorated with a vine-like pattern and seven seated Buddha. A high altar in the niche decorated with carvings of heavenly musicians supports seven other figures: a central Buddha flanked by two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, and two warriors. The statues in this niche were restored during the Qing dynasty (1644–1911).
The central Buddha, Maitreya, sits with legs pendent, with each foot resting on a lotus pedestal. The Buddha has a high usnisa, and wears loose-fitting inner and outer monastic robes. One hand holds a jewel while the other is raised to the chest. Behind the statue on the back wall is a small, circular nimbus enclosed in a larger petal-shaped nimbus.
The disciples flanking the Buddha stand on lotus pedestals, and wear loose-fitting, high-collared monastic robes. Each has a circular nimbus. There is a Bodhisattva located on the side walls, both facing inwards. They wear headdresses, beaded ornaments, and stoles. Behind each figure is a double-layer nimbus similar to that of Maitreya Buddha. A warrior is carved on either side of the niche opening, but both have been damaged. They wear dhotis and their muscular upper bodies are bare.