usa.chinadaily.com.cn
Newly Discovered Tang Dynasty Cliff Carvings Found in Anyue, Sichuan
A team accidentally discovered a previously unknown cliff in Anyue county, Sichuan province, featuring Tang Dynasty Buddhist and Taoist statues during a 2023 temple search; the site, now part of China's fourth national cultural relics census, includes drainage channels and holes suggesting an ancient wooden structure, with some statues lost since the 1970s.
- How did the discovery come about, and what role did local knowledge play in its uncovering?
- This discovery highlights the vast, undocumented cultural heritage within Anyue, "Hometown of Chinese Stone Carvings." Local knowledge played a crucial role, underscoring the importance of community involvement in preservation efforts. The site's features, including the style of statues and drainage channels, support dating to the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty.
- What is the significance of the newly discovered Tang Dynasty cliff carvings in Anyue, Sichuan province, and its impact on our understanding of Chinese art and history?
- In Fengxing village, Sichuan province, a team accidentally discovered a Tang Dynasty cliff adorned with Buddhist and Taoist statues. The discovery, made in 2023 during a temple search, adds to Anyue county's rich collection of stone carvings, now officially recognized in China's fourth national cultural relics census. This previously unknown site includes drainage channels and holes suggesting an ancient wooden structure.
- What are the potential future implications of this discovery for the study of Anyue's cultural heritage, and how might this finding contribute to broader understanding of the Tang Dynasty?
- This newly documented site, along with Anyue's existing 100,000+ cliff statues and 400,000 engraved characters, strengthens the region's position as a significant center of Tang and Song Dynasty art. Future research should focus on the collapsed niches and the potential for further discoveries in similarly remote locations, leveraging local knowledge and expanding the national census.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative emphasizes the accidental nature of the rediscovery and the villagers' role, potentially downplaying the expertise and systematic efforts of the Anyue Grottoes Research Academy. The headline (if one existed) would likely play a significant role in shaping this initial perception.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and descriptive. The descriptions of the carvings and the setting are evocative, but avoid overtly subjective or sensational language. However, phrases like "exquisite Buddhist statues" are somewhat subjective and could be replaced with more objective descriptions.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the rediscovery of the cliff carvings, but omits discussion of potential threats to the site (e.g., erosion, vandalism, or development) and what measures are in place to protect it. It also doesn't mention the broader implications of this discovery for understanding Tang Dynasty art and culture beyond Anyue itself. While brevity may explain some omissions, a more comprehensive picture would enhance the article's value.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a rather simplistic view of the discovery, implying a clear-cut rediscovery without exploring the possibility of prior knowledge or different interpretations of the site's significance.
Gender Bias
The article mentions both male and female researchers, but their roles and contributions aren't explicitly detailed. This lack of detailed information makes it impossible to assess gender bias definitively. However, more balanced gender representation in descriptions of work and contributions would be beneficial.
Sustainable Development Goals
The rediscovery and preservation of cultural heritage sites, such as the newly found cliff carvings in Anyue, can contribute to sustainable tourism and economic opportunities for local communities, potentially alleviating poverty.