Mogao Cave 220: Illustration of the Medicine Buddha Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This large illustration of the Medicine Buddha Sutra covers the north wall of the main chamber. In the upper register are colorful banners and apsaras playing musical instruments above seven trees and seven-jeweled canopies. In the center, seven Buddhas stand barefoot on lotus pedestals. They wear robes with either the left shoulder or both shoulders covered, and their hands form various mudras. The second Buddha from the left holds a medicine bowl in the left hand and forms the vitarka (teaching) mudra with the right hand, identifying him as the Medicine Buddha. Surrounding the seven Buddhas are Bodhisattvas and the Twelve Yaksa Generals. The yaksas wear armor and crowns with designs corresponding to the Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals. Below the yaksas are warriors standing with arms raised.
In the center of the lower register is the Lantern Tower constructed above a pond. Tree-shaped lanterns flank the tower, and Bodhisattvas stand or crouch beside them adding lamps. Below the pond are two pairs of dancers. Two of the dancers wear red garments while the other two wear white garments. They dance with outstretched arms, their stoles flying around them. On both sides of the dancers are musicians seated on square carpets playing various instruments including zithers, flutes, reed instruments, and lutes. The mural is detailed, orderly, and balanced.