Shifo Temple Rock Carvings Niche 3

CHINA, Chongqing, Jiangjin

This niche was created during the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127). It has a flat ceiling and measures 1.65 m wide, 1.6 m high, and 0.72 m deep. In the center of the niche sits the Medicine Buddha with a high, corrugated usnisa and a wide, draping collar on his monastic robe. The right hand of the Buddha rests on his knee, while the left hand holds a medicine bowl in front of his abdomen. The Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne held up at the base by two warrior figures. Flanking the Buddha’s right and left are Suryaprabha and Candraprabha Bodhisattvas, both of whom also sit in full lotus position upon lotus thrones. Suryaprabha’s name means “Radiance of the Sun,” and as such, is depicted holding a sun, while Candraprabha’s name means “Radiance of the Moon,” and therefore holds a moon. Each of the three main figures is backed by their own aureole and nimbus. Apsaras are carved at the top of the niche. There are a total of six Bodhisattvas making offerings dispersed among the side and back walls of the niche: one to each side behind the Medicine Buddha, and two more standing on swirling cloud formations on the outer sides of Suryaprabha and Candraprabha. An inscription, which dates the painting of the sculptures to 1406, is located on the right side of the entrance.