Bazhong Rock Carvings Western Niche 21

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

Located at Foyewan, the inscriptions found in this triple-layer niche indicate that it was first constructed during the Sui dynasty (581–618) with restoration and additions made during the Tang dynasty (618–907). The overall design of the niche has a Tang dynasty style, though it is difficult to tell which elements are from which period. The niche has suffered severe weathering and many of the figures and details are no longer extant. The niche has an open entrance and a flat ceiling on the outer layer, while the middle layer has a double-eave canopy. The inner layer has an arch-shaped ceiling and measures 1.92 m wide, 2.3 m high, and 1.2 m deep. The lintel is decorated with images of seven Buddhas and six heavenly beings, in addition to other patterns and carved tassels.
The niche originally contained statues of a Buddha, two disciples and two Bodhisattvas, with reliefs of figures listening to the Dharma and the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors carved on the back wall, though many of these figures are no longer discernable. Two warriors and two Heavenly Kings are still visible outside the niche, however the warriors’ heads are now missing.
An inscription engraved on the right wall of the middle layer of the niche, carved in the year 913, states that these sculptures were made in 609 during the Song dynasty. The right wall of the outer layer of the niche also has an inscription dated to the year 878.