|
 This
colossal statue was
carved on a cliff on
Soaring to the Clouds
Hill facing the three
rivers. On the rock face
to the left of the
statue, a twisting path
leads down to the base
of the statue from the
top of the hill. The
huge seated figure
measures 71 meters from
top to bottom, has a
head to meters wide, a
nose 5.6 meters high,
ears 7 meters long, and
legs 28 meters from knee
to foot. The foot can
seat more than a hundred
people on its flat
instep. With his eyes
half-closed, his facial
expression kind and
dignified, this Buddha
has a majestic bearing.
The statue, flanked by
two armed warriors,
represents a highlight
in the development of
sculpture in ancient
China.
According to historical
records, the statue took
ninety years to
complete, from 713 to
803 during the Tang
Dynasty. A monk called
Hai Tong from Lingyun
Temple is said to have
sponsored the
construction of the
Buddha at the confluence
of the rivers to protect
boats and passengers
from the violent
currents there. |
