Feilai Peak Caves Niche 62: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva

CHINA, Zhejiang, Hangzhou; Yuan dynasty

Located on the west side of Tongtian Cave, on a cliff face in the southern bank of Lengquan (Cold Fountain) Stream, this niche has a flat ceiling and an inscription on one side. According to the inscription, dated to the year 1290, this Samantabhadra Bodhisattva statue was donated by a monk from Pingjiang as a blessing for the longevity of the emperor.
Samantabhadra has a long, oval face with fine eyebrows and slightly closed eyes. There is an urna between the eyebrows and the hint of a smile around the mouth. The tall headdress is adorned with a Buddha image. The Bodhisattva wears an inner robe beneath an outer robe that covers both shoulders and has long, loose sleeves. A 1.16 m high, six-tusked elephant supports the lotus throne upon which the Bodhisattva sits. The elephant’s head faces outwards, and each of its feet rest on a lotus. The statue is carved with exquisite details; it is considered to be a significant Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) sculptural work.