Dongfoyu Rock Carvings

CHINA, Shandong, Jinan

At the Dongfoyu Rock Carvings, there are 20 remaining sculptures and 30 inscriptions. Construction began during the Eastern Wei dynasty (534–550), and was completed during the Song dynasty (960–1279). The carvings were listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site in 1992.
Carvings from the Sui dynasty (581–618) are located primarily on the east side of the cliff. Housed in one niche are several carvings dating from 587, including four Sakyamuni Buddhas and a Maitreya Buddha. Seated in full lotus position, with their long robes draped over thrones, the four Sakyamuni Buddhas form the dhyana (meditation) mudra. Maitreya sits with legs pendent and his right hand is raised, probably forming the vitarka (teaching) mudra. Two disciples, joining their palms in reverence, are painted flanking one of the seated Buddhas.
On the west side of the cliff, niches house carvings that date from the Sui and Tang (618–907) dynasties, including a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas, a seated Buddha, and a Buddha seated with legs pendent. The niche containing a Buddha and two Bodhisattvas is dated to 837. The Buddha sits with legs pendent and has a high usnisa. The face and hands are no longer discernible. The outer monastic robe that covers both shoulders, is worn over the inner robe. Two flying apsaras adorned in stoles are depicted beside the figure. These apsaras likely date from the Late Tang period (846–907) to the early Five Dynasties (907–960).