Tongjiang Thousand Buddha Cliff Rock Carvings

CHINA, Sichuan, Bazhong

These caves can be found on the cliffs 2 km west of Tongjian in Sichuan. Altogether there are 51 caves and niches, of which 25 are unsheltered, while the rest have structures to protect them. The artworks that have survived mostly reflect the style of the Tang dynasty (618–907). As a youngster, Empress Wu Zetian (reigned 684–705) accompanied her father when he was ordered to defend Bizhou (present day Tongjiang, Sichuan). After becoming involved in politics, she ordered Cai Hongya, the county leader, to build an Amitabha Buddha niche. A stele stating that Niche 6 was built by imperial order can be found 1 m to the left of it. The niche was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
Much of the artwork in Niche 6 has been damaged or weathered. The main statue of Amitabha Buddha sits in full lotus position upon a lotus throne. Unfortunately, the head and arms have been damaged. The two attendant Bodhisattvas are Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta. The heads and hands of these statues have also been badly damaged. Surrounding the main statue and arranged in five rows are 52 Bodhisattvas who sit on lotus flowers and listen to the Dharma.
Niche 15 houses Maitreya Buddha flanked by two disciples, four Bodhisattvas, and two warriors. The exterior of the niche is protected by a structure that is still in good condition. The main statue of Maitreya sits in full lotus position upon a throne. He is portrayed as a robust figure, wearing a monastic robe with long, loose sleeves that cover both shoulders. The folds of the garment are incised with smooth, natural lines. The hands form the dhyana (meditation) mudra, and a petal-shaped aureole frames the back of the statue. A warrior stands guard on either side of the niche’s entrance: the one on the left is badly damaged, while the one on the right has been preserved well enough to make out its fine carvings.