China: Buddha flanked by bodhisattvas, Maiji Shan Grottoes, Tianshui, Gansu Province. Maiji Shan Shiku (Maiji Shan Grottoes) are one of China’s four most important Buddhist temple groups (the others being Datong, Luoyang, and the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang). Starting from the Northern Wei (386-535) and Northern Zhou (557-581) Dynasties, Buddhists cut caves into the sides of a red outcrop rising from the surrounding foliage-covered hills. Figures of the Buddha, of bodhisattvas and disciples were carved in harder rock brought from elsewhere, and installed in the caves.

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Size: 5100px × 3452px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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