Nakanose Rock Carvings

JAPAN, Mie, Iga

These cliff carvings are located on the northern bank of the Hattori River and consist of five figures between 1.35 m and 2.76 m in height, comprising the Amitabha Buddha Triad, with Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprata flanking the Buddha, together with Acala and Ksitigarbha. The leading bas-relief of Amitabha was carved in the mid-Kamakura period (1185–1333). The Buddha’s hands form the lowest grade of the highest class mudra. Behind the head there is a radiating circular nimbus. The two flanking Bodhisattvas were added later. Avalokitesvara is holding up a lotus on the right, while on the left is Mahasthamaprapta with the palms joined. Further to the right is Ksitigarbha, holding a jewel in the left hand, while the right forms the varada (wish-granting) mudra. Further to the left stands Acala, holding a sword in the right hand and a lasso in the left. Both of these additional figures are made with line incisions, compared with Amitabha Buddha, who is in bas-relief.