Liumashan Cliff Carvings

Liumashan Cliff Carvings

A key cultural relic protection unit of Guilin. Located on the northern foothills of Liumashan in the city. It consists of six niches with a total of 23 figures, primarily depicting Buddhas, disciples, bodhisattvas, and donors. Niches 2 to 6 are largely well-preserved. Among them, Niche 3 best represents the sculptural style of the Tang Dynasty. This niche contains 10 figures, with the main figure being a Buddha seated centrally at a height of 1 meter; the body is solid, wearing a wide-sleeved, long robe with a diagonal pointed collar, and the drapery is simple and unadorned; the face is slightly flat with full cheeks; the left hand rests on the knee, while the right hand is raised as if preaching; the expression is serene and solemn, seated in the lotus position on a platform base.

On both sides of the pedestal are lions lying in repose. To the left and right of the Buddha are the two disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda, both clad in round-necked kasayas, facing the main figure with palms pressed together. Mahakasyapa has a high nose bridge, deep-set eyes, a beard, curly mustache, and prominent brow ridges and cheekbones, giving him a stern and dignified appearance; Ananda is bald with a round face, appearing devout and gentle. To the sides of the disciples are two bodhisattvas. The one on the right has a plump, round face and a well-proportioned, athletic figure; the right arm is bent close to the chest, seemingly holding a fly whisk (the wrist is damaged), while the left arm hangs down, holding a vase; the head is adorned with a high bun decorated with floral garlands, characteristic of Guanyin. The bodhisattva on the left has a slender figure, a slightly twisted torso, a tilted neck, and an understated, graceful demeanor. Beside the bodhisattvas are two Vajra guardians, wearing helmets and boots, with high noses and deep-set eyes, exuding a solemn expression. Further to the sides are three donors, all dressed in secular clothing, with hands clasped in prayer and standing barefoot. Although the overall niche is not deep and the carving is somewhat rough, the figures of Mahakasyapa and the Vajra guardians clearly show the influence of Western Region artistic styles.