The Xumishan Grottos and the iconography of Tang dynasty Dizang.

摘要

This is the first detailed study in English introducing the cave temple site of Xumishan in Ningxia province. Concentrating on the Tang grottoes and particularly the remarkable figures in Grotto 105, this study suggests that this region was strategically important to the government and the stability of the Tang Empire.;The research shows that Xumishan Grotto 105 was carved sometime around 700 CE. By applying the Dizang data in section two, it is suggested that the iconographic program in this grotto originally consisted of Amitabha, Maitreya, Dizang and Guanyin on the central pillar, surrounded by seven Buddhas carved along the side and back walls. Xumishan Grottos 1 and 5 provide a platform for addressing issues of refurbishment and the living context Chinese Buddhist cave temples and sculpture.;The three Dizang case studies of Binxian, Longmen and Xiangtangshan define markers for identifying early Dizang sculpture. My research found that this group of dated and inscribed images reflect neither Dizang's traditional iconography nor his assumed role as a Hell savior. He is commonly shown during this period seated in lalitasana rather than as a standing monk with jewel and staff. This study of collected images demonstrates that during circa 700 the relief of suffering, rather than specific references to Hell, death or to Dizang's compassionate powers in the lower realms, pervades early Tang inscriptions and representations. The iconography of Dizang during this period is malleable and inconsistent. It is also interwoven with the iconography and personalities of other deities, particularly Guanyin.;In the process of Dizang's formation it seems plausible that the later, popular form of Dizang as a standing monk was borrowed from the iconography of Yaoshi. This form overtook the earlier lalitasana form as the standard manner of depicting Dizang.;The frequent groupings of Dizang, Guanyin, Amitabha, Yaoshi and Maitreya illustrate that the division amongst specific deities with specific attributes and abilities did not dominated the patronage of these objects during this time.