Thursday, 22 May 2014

Engraved tablet found in one of Dazu Rock Carvings

Source: CCTV.com  21 May 2014


It's a rare treat when a treasure can be found within a treasure.  That's exactly what happened when archaeologists uncovered a hidden gem, buried deep inside a centuries-old, thousand-hand bodhisattva statue in south west China, at the Dazu Rock Carvings.
Archaeologists uncovered a hidden gem, buried deep inside a centuries-old, thousand-hand bodhisattva statue in south west China, at the Dazu Rock Carvings.
Archaeologists uncovered a hidden gem, buried deep inside a centuries-old, thousand-hand bodhisattva statue in south west China, at the Dazu Rock Carvings.
Engraved tablets, golden foil and pieces of porcelain retrieved from the inside of one of China's most prized treasures.

They were uncovered from this thousand-hand bodhisattva, the most famous among the The Dazu Rock Carvings.

Archaeologists discovered a chamber in the abdomen of the statue. Within, they found a stone tablet with red engravings on it. The engravings are dated to the reign of Emperor Qianlong, over 300 years ago.

Still legible, they are believed to be prayers for blessings and good fortune.

Archaeologists discovered possible openings in the statue back in 2008. After careful examination, they confirmed that there was an irregular enclosed space in the statue's abdomen. Grain and jewellery were also be found within.

The find is regarded by scholars as immensely significant, as it is the first time that an object with a clear indication of date has been uncovered in the Dazu Rock Carvings.

The thousand-hand bodhisattva was created about 800 years ago during the Southern Song dynasty. It is carved on a cliff at 15-30 meters above ground and has 830 arms.
The Dazu Rock carvings was listed as a World Culture Heritage Site in 1999 by UNESCO.  It has a staggering 50 thousand religious statues on site. They vividly reflect the everyday life in ancient China and are an example of the fusion of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism.
Archaeologists discovered a chamber in the abdomen of the statue. Within, they found a stone tablet with red engravings on it. The engravings are dated to the reign of Emperor Qianlong, over 300 years ago.
Archaeologists discovered a chamber in the abdomen of the statue. Within, they found a stone tablet with red engravings on it. The engravings are dated to the reign of Emperor Qianlong, over 300 years ago.

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