Guangyuan Guanyinyan Rock Carvings

CHINA, Sichuan, Guangyuan

Located in Xinmin village, 15 km south of Lizhou district, these carvings were created during the Tang dynasty (618–907). The peak years of construction were during the rule of Emperor Xuanzong (reigned 712–756). A decline began during the time of Emperor Wuzong (reigned 841–846). The carvings are located primarily in the south and north areas, which contain 99 and 30 niches respectively. The site is listed as a Provincial Cultural Heritage Site.
The majority of the niches are double-layered, with a square outer frame around an inner arch. The carvings within the niches include depictions of Sakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Maitreya Bodhisattva, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Manjusri Bodhisattva, and Heavenly Kings. There are more statues of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva than any other figure. One of the niches contains an interesting combination of Avaloktiesvara Bodhisattva and the monk Baozhi, who, according to legend, was a manifestation of Avalokitesvara. There are also carvings of Vajrayana figures such as Eleven-Headed Avalokitesvara. The prevalence of Avalokitesvara in these carvings reflects the popularity of this Bodhisattva during the Tang dynasty. Another notable carving at the site is a portrayal of Fan Yuantiao, a general who came back victorious from the Nanzhao Rebellion in 755. This carving has great historical and cultural value, and helps to date the other works.