Bazhong Rock Carvings Southern Niche 89: Usnisavijaya Dharani Sutra Pillar

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong; Tang dynasty

This carving of a sutra pillar is located inside the double-layered rectangular Southern Niche 89, which is damaged on the outside. The sutra pillar is composed of a base, a body, and a roof. The lower layer of the two-layer base has three ogee arched door on the front. The upper level is hexagonal with two warriors sculpted at the corners.
The body of the pillar consists of four tiers. The first tier is engraved with an inscription and decorated with floriated patterns at the top. The second tier is sculpted with a hexagonal lattice window pattern, under which stand the Four Heavenly Kings: two on the front and one on each side face. Above the hexagonal pattern is an overhanging eave. The top of the third tier is sculpted with draped curtains and tassels; below are two columns on the corners with Bodhisattvas standing between them, two at the front, and one at each side face. The fourth tier is a platform with railings decorated with lotus and floral patterns in square panels. On the front, a locked door is sculpted between two rounded columns supporting bracket sets under the eaves. Each side of the door has a warrior, standing under the eaves of the roof above.
On the roof of the sutra pillar sits a spire in the shape of a pole with three stacked rings and gourd-shaped finial. The spire is flanked by two heavenly beings with billowing stoles around them, one of which appears to be playing a musical instrument, while the other joins palms.
The front of the sutra pillar is engraved with the Usnisavijaya Dharani Sutra, but most of the characters have worn away. Engraved on the right of the base is an inscription which dates to the year 751. The back wall is covered with 16 rows of 94 small Buddha figures surrounding the pillar.