Bingling Temple Niche 171: Maitreya Buddha

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Tang dynasty

This 27 m high Maitreya Buddha is cut into the cliff face at the northern end of the lower temple caves. Although some sources suggest that construction began in 803, most scholars now believe that it began earlier, in 731. The niche was commissioned by an officer named Bo Chengtiao.
The Buddha sits with legs pendent on a raised throne, with both feet resting upon lotus pedestals. He has a usnisa covered with a tightly coiled topknot, a wide, square face, and three lines around his neck. The facial features are prominent and an urna can be discerned on the forehead. The Buddha wears monastic robes over both shoulders, leaving the chest partially bare. Both of the Buddha’s hands are somewhat damaged; one rests in his lap while the other is placed upon his knee. The clay that once covered the legs has partially fallen off to reveal the stone core beneath.
This large carving was adapted to the cliff from which it was formed. The head was largely constructed out of the rock itself, while the lower part of the body was built up by applying a clay and mud mixture to the rock, making it protrude from the rock face. According to the Stele Inscription on the Restoration of Lingyan Temple written in 1517, a nine-tier structure was built in front of the statue during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) in order to protect it. This structure, however, was destroyed during a war in 1874, and the figure has since been completely exposed. Although the statue has undergone numerous repairs, it still retains its original Tang dynasty characteristics.