Mogao Cave 217: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra - Heavenly Dancers

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This detail is found below the image of Amitabha Buddha in the center of the mural on the north wall of the main chamber. The two dancers have high topknots and wear necklaces and armbands. Stoles looped over their arms flutter and twirl around their bodies as they dance. They wear long red lower garments with green waist bands, and have bare feet. The dancer on the left raises the left arm high, the body in a tribhanga posture and the left leg raised off the floor. The dancer on the right holds both arms outward, the right arm bent inward at the elbow. The two dancers appear graceful, and the flowing stoles contribute a sense of rhythm to the scene.