Mogao Cave 103: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra - Chapter on Skillful Means

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

Located on the front (east) wall to the right of the entrance, this painting portrays a group of princes and officials who visit Vimalakirti when he is ill. Vimalakirti used his illness as a skillful means to teach the Dharma. On the left of the entrance, a king and other officials dressed in Chinese clothing are shown in attendance. In this painting on the right, ten figures stand in four rows. A prince from Central Asia is in the first row. He wears a necklace, and a silk stole hangs over his shoulders. He presents a plate with both hands. The rest of the figures are dressed in various regional styles and have different facial expressions. Most wear crowns or hats. They all stand facing a kneeling Bodhisattva who holds an alms bowl.
The illustration is defined in simple, precise lines. The clothes of the figures are presented in dark red, brown, green, and white, while their varied skin tones are rendered in light and dark shades.