Erfo Temple Rock Carvings: Sakyamuni Buddha

CHINA, Chongqing, Hechuan; Southern Song dynasty

This large freestanding Sakyamuni Buddha carving is located in the eastern section of the 14.6 m high north cliff. The Buddha has an oval face, tightly curled hair, and partially closed eyes; his right hand forms a mudra. He is clad in a monastic robe covering both shoulders and an inner robe tied at the waist.
On the upper wall behind the Buddha statue are small reliefs of the Thousand Buddhas, although the actual number of figures is 946. Below the Thousand Buddhas are larger carvings of disciples and Bodhisattvas. On the nearby adjacent walls facing the central Buddha are Sudhana and the Naga Girl. Sudhana is on the left, joining palms and bowing to the Buddha; his head is encircled with a nimbus and he is wrapped in a long stole that billows out behind him. The Naga Girl, located on the right side, has a round face and stands as if leaning or flying towards the Buddha. She wears a long gown and several stoles that appear to stream out behind her in the wind.
On the wall of the cave are two inscriptions: “Monk Liaoyi gave up his wealth to make this carving” and “Monk Shaochang gave up his life to make this carving.” Above the Naga Girl, there is an inscription dating from 1640.