In the Tang and Song dynasties grottoes in Sichuan and Chongqing there are four kinds of cliff inscriptions that mention craftsmen. Based on a systematic compilation and textual research of these inscriptions, this paper concludes that the craftsmen of the Tang and Song dynasty grottoes in Sichuan and Chongqing worked according to a clear-cut division of labor.This division involved the four roles of stonemasons, painters, engravers and carpenters, among which the stonemasons were the most important. The importance of stonemasons can be judged from the detail and expertise necessary for carving niches with statues, the process of which can be roughly inferred from unfinished extant niches. In addition to a general director that was in charge of the general construction, each type of work had its own leaders that could be divided into the three ranks of duliao,boshi and jiang based on level of skill. Special craftsmen skilled in particular areas may also have been employed for large-scale construction work. There were two types of craftsman teams, one that depended on the division and cooperation of labor for its organization, the other consisting of workmen from the same family. Images of craftsman from different teams can be seen carved in several places throughout the caves. The study of ancient labor structures and craftsmen in the grottoes of Sichuan and Chongqing will further deepen our understanding of the construction and content of niche carvings in this region.
