Wolongshan Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings Niche 1: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Sichuan, Mianyang; Tang dynasty

This niche, dating from the Early Tang period (618–712), is circular on the inside, with a square exterior frame. A Buddha is located in the center and is flanked by two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, two attendants, and two warriors. The Buddha sits upon a Sumeru throne with a nimbus behind his head. A collared monastic robe hangs loosely over an inner robe, and one of the Buddha’s hands rests on the knee, while the other hand is damaged.
Two attendant Bodhisattvas wearing long robes decorated with beaded ornaments stand on lotus pedestals. The warriors on each side of the niche are short yet imposing. The two disciples are shown in relief between the main statue and the Bodhisattvas, and the two attendants stand between the Bodhisattvas and the warriors.