Wolongshan Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings Niche 1: Standing Bodhisattva

CHINA, Sichuan, Mianyang; Tang dynasty

This Bodhisattva statue is located to the right of the main statue in Niche 1 of the Wolongshan Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings. The Bodhisattva stands on a lotus pedestal and wears a topknot and a floral crown with a Buddha image in the center. The head, framed by a double-layer nimbus, is highlighted by thick eyebrows above slender eyes. The figure’s upper body is draped with long garments and wrapped in a stole decorated with long beaded ornaments. Armlets adorn the Bodhisattva’s arms, and one hand holds an object that resembles a willow branch. Apart from the slightly damaged right hand, the figure is well preserved and is believed to represent Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. It is a representative Bodhisattva sculpture from the Early Tang period (618–712).