Qianxiang Temple Rock Carvings

CHINA, Tianjin

This cluster of rock carvings, on the east side of Panshan (Entwine Mountain), is the largest from the Liao dynasty (907–1125). Between 713 and 741 during the Tang dynasty, the Youtang (Bless the Tang) Temple was built at this location and became an important Buddhist site in the region; however, the temple was later destroyed in war. The rock carvings can be found on boulders or cliff walls at 124 different locations. In total, there are 535 carvings distributed over an area exceeding 4 sq km, with the tallest figure reaching over 2 m in height. According to the folk tradition of the region, there are 1,000 carvings at the site, and thus it is referred to as Qianxiang (Thousand Image) Temple. Based on the style of the carvings, it is presumed that all the images were carved during the Liao dynasty. These are the only remaining cliffside rock carvings in the Tianjin area. At this site, it is possible to find the Stele on the Construction of the Lecture Hall at Youtang Qianxiang Temple on Panshan from 987, a sutra pillar dated 1118, as well as some reliefs from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), and rock carvings from the Qing dynasty (1644–1911). The Qianxiang Temple site was listed as a National Cultural Heritage Site in 2006.
The carvings were created in sets of two to four; they include Sakyamuni, Vairocana, Medicine Buddha, Maitreya, Avalokitesvara, Ksitigarbha, and disciples of the Buddha. The carvings of the Buddha typically have usnisas. The folds of their clothing are incised with fine, simple lines. The images are heavily influenced by the local style. They provide valuable information for research into the history of Buddhist art in the Liao dynasty, as well as traditional folk rock carving techniques from the region.