Xiaonanhai Central Cave

CHINA, Henan, Anyang

These caves are carved into a rocky outcrop on the southern foothills of Guigaishan (Turtle Shell Mountain). According to an inscription engraved above the entrance, this cave was constructed by monk Fang from Lingshan Temple in 550 during the Northern Qi dynasty, and completed by National Master Sengchou in 555.
The cave is 1.19 m wide, 1.78 m high, and 1.34 m deep. The entrance is flanked by a Heavenly King on each side, and the lintel above the entrance is carved with two dragons. The area around the entrance has been smoothed out in order to enable the engravings of the Praises on the Avatamsaka Sutra and Mahaparinirvana Sutra.
Inside the cave platforms are located along the back (north) and side walls. The Buddha and two disciples are placed on the back wall platform. Sakyamuni Buddha, backed by a mandorla encased in a flame pattern, sits in full lotus position. The monk on the left is accompanied by a cartouche identifying him as Chan master Sengchou. In the upper left corner, carved in bas-relief, is a depiction of Sakyamuni Buddha being taught the Dharma by Tisya Buddha in a past lifetime; on the right is the Jataka of Sacrifice for a Gatha by Jumping off a Cliff.
The east and west walls contain a triad comprising a Buddha and two standing Bodhisattvas. The east wall has reliefs of Maitreya Bodhisattva teaching the Dharma and Sakyamuni Buddha’s First Turning of the Dharma Wheel. The west wall depicts the Sixteen Contemplations as described in the Amitayurdhyana Sutra.