Kumano Rock Carvings: Vairocana Buddha and Acala
Kumano Rock Carvings: Vairocana Buddha
Kumano Rock Carvings
JAPAN, Oita, Bungotakada
The Kumano Rock Carvings, dating from the late Heian period (794–1185), consist of two groups, of which the leading figures are Acala and Vairocana Buddha. The image of Acala was carved out of the left side of the cliff, at a height of 807 cm, and is the largest high-relief rock carving in Japan. Braided hair hangs down the figure’s left shoulder, and his facial features are broad and ferocious, with the lower teeth biting the upper lip. Acala holds a sword in the right hand, and has a broad body, although the lower torso and legs were not carved. Youth attendants, each at a height of about 3 m are depicted on either side.
At a height of 682 cm, the image of Vairocana Buddha was carved out of the right side of the cliff. Tightly coiled hair is clearly carved and arranged. The face, with its lowered gaze and firmly closed lips, has an austere expression. Sections of the body below the chest have weathered away over time.
For more details, go to the Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves R-L, page 605.
Cite this article:
author = Hsingyun and Youheng and Johnson, Peter and Mankuang and Huntington, Susan and Edson, Gary and Neather, Robert,
booktitle = {Encyclopedia of Buddhist Arts: Caves R-L},
pages = 605,
title = {{Kumano Rock Carvings}},
volume = 6,
year = {2016}}