This reclined Buddha and the noble figures before it belong to the series of Dazu Rock Carvings, a spectacular religious series dating from the 7th century AD and influenced by Buddhist, Confucian and Taoist beliefs. What struck me here, beyond the evident quality of the art, is the contrast between the history and culture it represents and the modernity of the bystander with his shiny, synthetic umbrella and boots, once again a reality of contemporary China.