27m high, seated Buddha at Binglingsi (Yongjing, Gansu)

Ref: 070624-1672     Date: 24-06-2007

27m high, Maitreya Buddha, sculpted at Binglingsi during the Tang Dynasty. The top part is carved out of the stone cliff and the bottom part modelled from clay. Smoke from burning incense appears to be rising into the cavern roof. Binglingsi was an important Buddhist centre on the Silk Road, connecting the Tibetan Empire with Han China. Natural and manmade caves, caverns and cliff faces on the north bank of the Yellow River are illustrated with wall paintings, sculptures and inscriptions. The artworks date from the 5th c AD to the early 20th century AD (from the Western Jin Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty).