Kongwangshan Rock Carvings

CHINA, Jiangsu, Lianyungang

These rock carvings are located in Lianyungang, south of the Kongwangshan mountain range in Jiangsu. They feature 105 figures carved into a cliff. Among the carvings, common subjects include Buddhas, figures making offerings, royal figures, and depictions of banquets. Each image is unique, with differences being related to the periods in which they were carved. Hewing commenced in the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220) and finished during the Three Kingdoms period (220–280). The site was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 1988.
Some Buddhas are standing, while others remain seated. Figures making offerings are often seen positioned to the Buddhas’ sides, many of whom join their palms or hold a lotus in offering. There is also an image of the Buddha entering parinirvana, surrounded by additional figures. A vivid illustration of the Mahasattva Jataka depicts Sakyamuni Buddha in a past life sacrificing himself to a hungry tigress.
Lines of the carvings are predominantly coarse and simple. There are several variations of Han images, which represent some of the earliest examples of Chinese Buddhist sculpture. As such, the discovery of these rock carvings prove to be valuable sources for study in both Buddhist and art history.