Dazu Rock Carvings: The Spirit of Our Ancestors
The Dazu Rock Carvings are a series of Chinese religious sculptures and carvings, dating back as far as the 7th century AD, depicting and influenced by Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist beliefs. The carvings are located in Dazu District, Chongqing, and are spread across 75 protected sites, the most famous of which are the Beishan, Baodingshan, Nanshan, Shimenshan, and Shizhuanshan rock carvings.
History
- Began in the Tang Dynasty: The earliest works of the Dazu Rock Carvings were created during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), with the majority of the carvings created during the reign of Emperor Zhaozong (888–904 AD).
- Created over many generations: The carvings were created over many generations, from the late Tang Dynasty, through the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and into the Northern Song Dynasty, with the peak of the carvings' creation occurring during the Southern Song Dynasty, and continuing into the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
- Named during the Republic of China: The carvings were rarely recorded before the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 AD), and were named after the Dazu Rock Carvings Exploration Group explored the site in 1945.
Artistic Features
- Three religions in one: The carvings are a rare combination of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian beliefs.
- Secular: The carvings depict scenes from everyday life, such as the Baodingshan carvings of the Sutra of Filial Piety and the Oxherding Pictures.
- Exquisite carvings: The Beishan carvings are known for their exquisite and elegant carvings, while the Baodingshan Thousand-Hand Guanyin statue has 1,007 hands, and is known as a "wonder of the world."
Main Attractions
- Beishan Rock Carvings: Located at the top of Beishan, the carvings are mainly concentrated in the Buddha Bay area, and include six types of carvings, including Buddha, Bodhisattva, and Arhat, from the late Tang Dynasty, the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the Song Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty.
- Baodingshan Rock Carvings: Organized by Zhao Zhifeng, the carvings are centered around the Great Buddha Bay, and include cliff carvings and ancient temple buildings, with 40 carvings and over 10,000 figures.
Value and Significance
- Historical value: The carvings show the development and changes in Chinese stone carving art and folk religious beliefs from the late Tang Dynasty to the Song Dynasty.
- Artistic value: The carvings represent the highest level of stone carving art in the world from the 9th to the mid-13th century, and are representative works of late Chinese stone carving art.
- Cultural value: The carvings show the harmonious coexistence of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian beliefs.