A Brief Report on the Archaeological Investigation of the Nankansi Cliff Sculptures in Tongnan District, Chongqing#br#

Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute Chongqing Municipality Tongnan District Cultural Relics Protection and Management Institute

Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings ›› 2025 ›› Issue (4) : 1-19.

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Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings ›› 2025 ›› Issue (4) : 1-19. DOI: 10.26953/j.cnki.2097-4698.2025.04.001
Grotto Archaeology

A Brief Report on the Archaeological Investigation of the Nankansi Cliff Sculptures in Tongnan District, Chongqing#br#

  • Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute,Chongqing Municipality Tongnan District Cultural Relics Protection and Management Institute#br#
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Abstract

Nankansi Cliff Sculptures were carved into a huge rock on the lower ground of Zhaizipo, Nankan Village, Xinsheng Town, Tongnan District. A total of 11 niches have been discovered, featuring mainly Buddhist 
figures such as Ksitigarbha, Avalokitesvara, and the Three Saints of the West, as well as the Taoist deities including Tianzun and Xuanwu Dadi. The statues can be divided into four groups. Based on their characteristics and inscribed dates, it is inferred that the carving began in the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty, revived in the Southern Song Dynasty, and continued during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Nankansi Cliff Sculptures have rich themes, unique styles, long age spans, and important stone inscriptions, which have significant value for the study of grotto temples in the Tongnan area and the broader Sichuan-Chongqing region.

Key words

Nankansi / cliff sculpture / the middle and late Tang Dynasty / niches of Buddhist and Taoist statues

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Chongqing Cultural Relics and Archaeology Research Institute Chongqing Municipality Tongnan District Cultural Relics Protection and Management Institute. A Brief Report on the Archaeological Investigation of the Nankansi Cliff Sculptures in Tongnan District, Chongqing#br#[J]. Studies In Dazu Rock Carvings. 2025(4): 1-19 https://doi.org/10.26953/j.cnki.2097-4698.2025.04.001
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