The Dazu Rock Carvings are a series of sculptures cut into hillsides. Their subject matter includes religious scenes and representations of everyday life.
Which period do they represent?#
UNESCO's description highlights works dating from the ninth to thirteenth centuries. This is a description of the recognised series, not a claim that every carving was made in one year or by one workshop.
Which traditions appear?#
UNESCO identifies a combination of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian themes. Calling the whole series exclusively Buddhist would overlook part of the subject matter described in the heritage record.
What should a reader compare?#
Look for differences between sacred and secular subjects rather than assuming that every figure has the same purpose. The diversity of subjects is one reason the carvings are useful for studying life during their period of production.