Lianhuadong Cave

CHINA, Shandong, Jinan

This cave is located on the west side of Juxian (Gathering of Immortals) Peak of Wufengshan (Five Peak Mountain), approximately 14 km south of Changqing, in Shandong. An inscription dates the cave to the Northern Qi dynasty (550–557); however, the main Buddha is in the style of the Sui dynasty (581–618), and the remainder of the cave appears to have been completed during the Early Tang period (618–712). The Lianhuadong Cave was listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site in 1992.
Facing west, the rectangular cave has an arched doorway. The ceiling is carved with reliefs of lotus. The primary figure on the back (east) wall is a Buddha, 1.33 m in height, flanked by two disciples and two Bodhisattvas. The Buddha wears a monastic robe with loose sleeves that covers both shoulders. The corner of the robe is tied on the left shoulder. Seated in full lotus position on a throne with bead-string relief, the figure’s hands display the dhyana (meditation) mudra. A nimbus patterned with lotus flowers and a flame-shaped mandorla are depicted behind the Buddha. The disciple to the right of the Buddha is an elderly monk with joined palms; while on the left is a younger monk whose face has been destroyed. This monk’s left hand holds prayer beads and the right hand holds his robe. Both Bodhisattvas wear crowns and stoles while standing on lotus pedestals. The Thousand Buddha motif is carved on the cave’s north and south walls.