Bazhong Rock Carvings Southern Niche 94

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

Southern Niche 94 is located on the north of Shenxian Slope. It is a double-layered niche, with the inner section designed as a canopy which measures 1.93 m wide, 2 m high, and 1.2 m deep. The lintel is carved with a curved floriated pattern, and the columns which frame the niche are decorated with curling nagas. The main statue in the niche is Vaisravana, Heavenly King of the North. He has a circular nimbus behind his head and stands on three demons. Vaisravana wears a tall headdress with ribbons suspended from it, a suit of armor, and a belt with the head of a beast carved into the buckle.
There are three other Heavenly Kings depicted on the right side wall inside the niche, as well as on both sides near the edge. The two figures closest to the outside edge of the niche are also standing on the backs of demons. Another figure, standing on the inner side of the left wall, is intended to be the sponsor for the niche, Lord Zheng from Xingyang, who was the governor of Bajun. He wears a round floral-patterned headdress, a loose-fitting long gown with wide sleeves, and stands on a lotus pedestal.
Outside the niche, an inscription records the construction and sponsor of the niche, as well as the date of construction for both this niche and Niche 95, which contains a statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. Both niches are recorded to have been constructed in the year 846 during the Tang dynasty.