The Dazu Rock Carvings in China is an example of the confluence of religion, craftsmanship,
philosophy and art in China. It stands as a testimony of the composite cultural
heritage the makes up the country. Located in the provincial-municipality of Dazu
County, the Dazu Rock Carvings in China lie in Sichuan Province. The Dazu County
dates back to 758 during the era of the Tang Dynasty. The Dazu Rock Carvings in
China began to be built during this era, in 650, and was completed in the era
of the Quing dynasty, with the Ming Dynasty falling in the middle. So it is evident
that the carvings reflect the ideologies of three of China's greatest dynasties.
The Dazu Rock Carvings in China comprise not just of statues, but also of inscriptions
and Chinese mythical characters.
The Dazu Rock Carvings in China is a consolidation of the Shimenshan,
Nanshan, Baodingshan, Beishan and Shizhuanshan rock carvings. Assimilating the
different beliefs from Indian Tantric Buddhism, Chinese Taoism and Confucianism,
the figures record a whole process of flux. These 50,000 and more statues and
inscriptions stand as testimony of contemporary artistry and craftsmanship and
also of the prevalent social customs and beliefs. Among these statues are to
be seen some 100,000 mythical and real characters as well. All these statues
are spread over 40 different sites and include some 75 protected sites. Because
of their elegance, beauty and spectacular nature, the UNESCO, deemed the Dazu
Rock Carvings in China as a World Heritage Site in 1999.
|
