Guangyuan Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings Niche 211

CHINA, Sichuan, Guangyuan

Also known as Su Ting Niche, this niche is located within the highest tier of the central section of the Thousand Buddha Cliff. It was constructed during the years 723 to 725. It has an arched lintel and measures 1.65 m wide, 1.7 m high and 0.75 m deep. There are various inscriptions outside the niche. One gives a record of its construction; one records its restoration during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368); and another contains writings by a famous writer Su Ting from the same period.
The niche features a 1.25 m high carving of Maitreya Buddha sitting with legs pendent and each foot resting on a lotus. The Buddha has a high usnisa, a rounded face, and a sturdy build draped with a loose-fitting monastic robe. The circular nimbus behind Maitreya’s head is decorated with floral patterns and surrounded by curling clouds. Two 1.2 m high Bodhisattvas stand on lotus pedestals beside Maitreya. Their hair is arranged in topknots and they wear ornate headdresses, ornaments, and long stoles. The Bodhisattva on the right holds a vase and a willow branch, while the Bodhisattva on the left holds a stole and a Dharma instrument.