Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO/NHK)

Summary

The Longmen Grottoes, located near the ancient capital of Luoyang, are among China's three largest Buddhist sites. They feature over 100,000 statues carved across a 400-year span, beginning in 494 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty. The Tang Dynasty saw a resurgence in carving, with the 17-meter-tall Virocana Buddha being a highlight. Despite historical significance, the grottoes face challenges like looting and natural decay. A conservation project supported by China, Japan, and UNESCO is underway to preserve this treasure of Buddhist art.

Takeaways

• 🗿 The Longmen Grottoes are one of the three largest grotto sites in China, featuring over one hundred thousand Buddha statues carved over a four hundred year period.
• 🗺️ The grottoes are located by the G Hay River, which runs through the suburbs of the ancient capital of Luoyang.
• 🗝️ The oldest grotto dates back to 494 AD during the Northern Wei dynasty, with the majority of the carvings taking place during the Tang Dynasty.
• 👑 The seated Buddha statue was commissioned by Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei dynasty, resembling his father and symbolizing the emperor's status as a reincarnation of Buddha.
• 📉 After the fall of the Northern Wei dynasty, grotto construction ceased until it resumed during the Tang Dynasty under Emperor Gaozong.
• 🏛️ Fengxian Hall, built in 675, houses the 17-meter high Virocana Buddha statue, believed to be funded by the Emperor's donation.
• 🎨 The statues of bodhisattvas, Buddha's disciples, and other figures around the Virocana Buddha are considered masterpieces of Buddhist art from the Tang Dynasty.
• 🏰 About 60% of the grottoes were constructed during the Tang period, showcasing the dynasty's significant contribution to the site.
• 🌟 The Pho Cave contains thousands of Buddha statues, some as small as less than 10 centimeters, indicating the intricate craftsmanship.
• 🕰️ The Longmen Grottoes were at their peak during the construction of the Pho Cave, but remained hidden for 1500 years until the 20th century.
• 🛠️ Dilapidation and water damage due to geological faults are ongoing issues at the site, with a conservation project supported by China, Japan, and UNESCO to address these challenges.

Q & A

What are the Longmen Grottoes and where are they located?

The Longmen Grottoes are one of the three largest grotto sites in China, located on the cliffside of the G Hay River, running through the suburbs of the ancient capital of Luoyang.

When was the large Buddha statue inside the cave at Longmen Grottoes carved?

The large Buddha statue inside the cave at Longmen Grottoes was carved in the seventh century during the Tang Dynasty.

How many Buddha statues were carved at the Longmen Grottoes over the centuries?

Over a four hundred year period, more than one hundred thousand Buddha statues were carved at the Longmen Grottoes.

What is the significance of the year 494 in the history of the Longmen Grottoes?

The year 494 marks the beginning of the Longmen Grottoes, with the oldest cave dating back to that time during the Northern Wei dynasty.

What do the inscriptions on the wall around each Buddha statue explain?

The inscriptions on the wall around each Buddha statue explain why it was carved, mainly for individuals during the early period and later for state carvings.

Who commissioned the seated Buddha statue and what was its purpose?

The seated Buddha statue was commissioned by Chuan Wu, the seventh Emperor of the Northern Wei dynasty, to resemble his father, as Buddhism was a national religion and the Emperor was regarded as a reincarnation of Buddha.

Why were there no new grottoes made after the fall of the Northern Wei dynasty?

Hardly any new grottoes were made after the fall of the Northern Wei dynasty in the middle of the 6th century, as the practice declined with the dynasty's collapse.

When did grotto construction resume and who ordered the construction of Fengxi Nck?

Grotto construction resumed during the Tang Dynasty, with Fengxi Nck being built in 675 on the order of Gaozong, the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty.

What is the height of the virocana Buddha statue in the main hall of Fengxi Nck?

The virocana Buddha statue in the main hall of Fengxi Nck is 17 meters high.

Why are the statues around the central virocana figure in Fengxi Nck considered masterpieces?

The statues of the bodhisattva, Buddha's disciples, and other divine figures around the central virocana figure in Fengxi Nck are considered great masterpieces of Buddhist art during the Tang Dynasty.

What percentage of the grottoes were made during the Tang period and what is special about the Pho Cave?

About 60% of the grottoes were made during the Tang period. The Pho Cave is special as it contains thousands of carved Buddha statues, some of which are less than 10 centimeters high.

What challenges has the Longmen Grottoes site faced in recent years?

In recent years, the Longmen Grottoes site has faced issues such as dilapidation, water coming out from cracks due to faults in the mountain rocks, and the decay of materials used for repairs, which is creating a new set of problems.

What is being done to address the conservation issues at the Longmen Grottoes?

A conservation project is underway with the collaborative support of China, Japan, and UNESCO to address the conservation issues at the Longmen Grottoes.