Pujiang Feixiange Rock Carvings Niche 9: Bodhi Figure Niche - Attendant Bodhisattva

CHINA, Sichuan, Chengdu; Tang dynasty

This statue of an attendant Bodhisattva is located on the right wall of Niche 9. The Bodhisattva has a two-layered nimbus and sits upon a throne with legs pendent. Ribbons at the back of the headdress hang down upon the shoulders. The statue has a round face and narrow eyes. A stole is wrapped diagonally around the body with ornaments adorning the front of the chest. The Bodhisattva’s right hand rests upon the right knee while the left arm, with hand missing, is raised. A long lower garment is tied at the waist and hangs over the edge of the throne. The Bodhisattva’s bare feet rest upon a lotus platform. The craftsmanship of the statue is exquisite, making it one of the finer sculptures from the Tang dynasty (618–907).