Buddha Niches on Laoye Mountain

Buddha Niches on Laoye Mountain

The Buddha Niches on Laoye Mountain are designated as a cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

Buddha Niches on Laoye Mountain

Buddha Niches on Laoye Mountain Located on the western cliff of Laoye Mountain in Linshui Town, Fengfeng Mining District, Handan City, the site is divided into upper and lower tiers, comprising a total of seven cliffside niches and 87 Buddhist statues of various sizes, all carved during the Northern Song Dynasty. The upper tier has six niches, each containing carvings of Buddha statues, warrior bodhisattvas, and others. The northern niche is the largest, featuring a pointed arch shape, with its lintel carved with four coiling dragons. The sides of the niche are adorned with bodhi trees, while at the center inside the niche stands a statue of Sakyamuni, flanked by disciples Kasyapa and Ananda. The hand gestures and hairstyles of the Buddha statues, among other fine details, are carved with precise proportions and lifelike accuracy. Kasyapa is depicted with a hunched back and slender face, realistically portraying the age and personality traits of the figure. The lower tier consists of two niches, situated at the northern end of the upper niches. These also house a central Buddha statue with two disciples, and the niche sides are decorated with bodhi trees and donor figures. The Buddhist statues of the Laoye Mountain rock niches are exquisitely carved, simple yet realistic, and are considered outstanding examples of Song Dynasty sculpture in China. It is now a key cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Cultural Relic Protection Units of Hebei Province