Chongqing Dazu Rock Carvings: Art Treasures Through Time and Space
In the United States, people may know the Mona Lisa in the Louvre or the Parthenon in Athens as art treasures. But today, I want to take you into Chongqing, China, to appreciate an equally stunning art treasure – Dazu Rock Carvings.
Dazu Rock Carvings, located in Dazu District, Chongqing, China, is a World Heritage Site, representing the highest level of cave art in the world from the 9th to the 13th centuries A.D., and is known as the “Pearl of Oriental Art”.
When you step into the scenic area of Dazu Rock Carvings, it is as if you have instantly traveled back to ancient China. The stone carvings here are distributed in various places in Dazu district, among which Baodingshan, Beishan, Nanshan, Shimenshan and Shizhanshan are the most famous ones, which are like scattered pearls, together stringing up a grand epic of Buddhist art.
The stone carvings on Baodingshan are the largest and richest among the stone carvings in Dazu. Step into the Baodingshan, first into the eyes of the magnificent cliff statues. These statues are built on the mountain, patchwork, as if telling people an ancient and mysterious story.
The “Six Paths of Reincarnation” is a classic work of stone carving in Baodingshan. The huge circular relief vividly depicts the Buddhist teachings on the six paths of reincarnation. From heaven to hell, from earth to the animal path, each scene is vividly depicted, and the expressions and movements of the characters are meticulously portrayed. Looking at this group of statues, you can feel the ancient people’s deep understanding of the cycle of life and the reverence for the cause and effect of good and evil.
The “Thousand-Handed Guanyin” is the essence of Dazu stone carvings. This Guanyin statue has 1007 hands, such as the peacock open screen to the surrounding stretch, each hand holds a different weapon, gestures are different, none of them are the same. Under the light, the Thousand-Handed Goddess of Mercy shines with golden light, as if radiating a divine radiance. It is hard to imagine, under the technical conditions at that time, how the craftsmen accomplished such a masterpiece of art with their exquisite skills and tenacity.
Beishan stone carvings are famous for their delicate carvings and exquisite decorations. Most of the statues here are of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, beautifully modeled and serene. Each statue seems to be a quiet wise man standing there quietly, conveying compassion and wisdom to people.
Dazu stone carvings are not only a treasure of art, but also a vivid embodiment of ancient Chinese culture and religious beliefs. In that era, Buddhism was widely spread in China, and Dazu stone carvings are the product of the fusion of Buddhist culture and local Chinese culture. Through the art form of stone carving, craftsmen presented Buddhist teachings, stories, and people’s aspirations for a better life on top of the stone.
Behind these stone carvings and statues, there is also a wealth of historical information. They witnessed the political, economic, cultural and religious development of ancient Chinese society, and are important physical materials for the study of ancient Chinese history.
Nowadays, Dazu stone carvings have become an important cultural tourist attraction in China, attracting tourists from all over the world. Every year, many foreigners like you come here to experience the charm of this art that has traveled through thousands of years.
If you have a chance to come to Chongqing, China, don’t miss the Dazu Stone Carving. Here, you can walk among the ancient stone carvings and feel the precipitation of history; you can listen to the tour guide to tell those moving stories and learn about the culture and beliefs of ancient China; and you can use your eyes and heart to discover and appreciate the unique beauty of these stone carvings. We believe that Dazu stone carvings will bring you an unforgettable cultural journey and let you have a deeper knowledge and understanding of Chinese history and art.