Mogao Cave 23: Illustration of the Lotus Sutra - Universal Gateway Chapter

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

These images on the east and south slopes of the ceiling within the main chamber date from the High Tang period (712–756). At the bottom of the east slope is a hut with a couple seated inside, engaged in conversation. In the hills outside the hut, people are fighting or appear lost. The scenes allude to the claim that being mindful and respectful of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva will bring liberation from lust, anger, and ignorance.
On the south slope are scenes of a prison, a boat crossing open waters, and a figure standing in fire. These images signify that devotees who chant Avalokitesvara’s name will be unharmed by fire, rescued if they are shipwrecked, and freed if they are imprisoned.