Ziyan Temple Rock Carvings

CHINA, Zhejiang, Hangzhou

These rock carvings are situated on the east side of the southern slope of Ziyan Peak, which is located between Jiangtaishan (General Platform Mountain) and Yuhuangshan (Jade Emperor Mountain). Two niches honor Amitabha Buddha and Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The temple was built in 942 by King Qian Hongzuo (reigned 941–947) of Wuyue. These rock carvings were listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site in 1961.
The Amitabha Niche, facing west, is the principal niche and contains seven statues. The three central statues are seated in full lotus position on Sumeru thrones. Amitabha Buddha, located in the center, wears a monastic robe with the right shoulder exposed. On the right is Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, wearing a crown, while Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva, also wearing a crown, sits to the left. Flanking the three central statues are two Bodhisattvas and two Heavenly Kings. The niche lintel above the figures depicts the Seven Buddhas of the Past, flanked by Manjusri Bodhisattva who rides a lion and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva who rides an elephant.
The Ksitigarbha Niche is found to the right of the main niche, facing south. Illustration of the Six Realms of Existence is carved on the niche lintel. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, the main figure, is represented as a monk in a monastic robe draped over an inner garment. On each side of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is a small figure making an offering.