Jigokudani Valley Cave

JAPAN, Nara

Jigokudani stands for Hell Valley. It is thought that the name of the site was derived from a legend which believes hell to exist below Mount Kasuga, on which the cave is located. Carved during the Heian period (794–1185), the cave is 1.2 m high. Engraved with fine lines in the center of the back wall is a seated Buddha, sided by a standing Bodhisattva to the right, and a standing Buddha to the left. There are additional line engravings depicting a total of six Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on the side walls.
The most well-preserved image is the seated Buddha in the center of the back wall. Behind the Buddha, who sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne, is a nimbus and an aureole comprised of three layers. The Buddha’s right hand is raised while his left hand forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra. A red kasaya is draped over the Buddha’s left shoulder, exposing a swastika on the center of his chest; remnants of gold coloration are visible throughout. The delicate line incisions that create the contours of cloth folds are smooth and detailed.