Wolongshan Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings Niche 3: Amitabha Buddha and Fifty-Two Bodhisattvas

CHINA, Sichuan, Mianyang; Tang dynasty

Niche 3 is circular inside with a square exterior frame, and is 2.25 m in width, 2.2 m in height, and 1.8 m in depth. The lintel is carved with patterns and there are low reliefs of seven Buddhas at the top of the niche. The inscription on the left side of the entrance credits the construction to a monk named Daomi. There is also a stele, made in 634, engraved with the account of Amitabha Buddha and the Fifty-Two Bodhisattvas.
The main figure, Amitabha Buddha, sits in full lotus position upon a lotus throne and is surrounded by a circular nimbus. The right hand displays a mudra at the chest, while the left is damaged. The attendant Bodhisattvas, Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta, stand on lotus pedestals with their bodies slightly inclined towards the main statue.
Around the Amitabha Buddha Triad are 52 high reliefs of Bodhisattvas and youths, each with a circular nimbus and seated upon lotuses. The figures have round faces and all have their hair tied in topknots. They wear garments with short sleeves.
The inscriptions on the stele outside the niche correspond to early depictions of the Amitabha Sutra as recorded in the Collection of Monastic Miracles in Shenzhou authored by Master Daoxuan during the Tang dynasty (618–907).