Mogao Cave 328

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang

This shrine cave is located in the northern section of the south area and was built in the High Tang period (712–756). It consists of an antechamber and a main chamber connected by a corridor. The main chamber has a truncated pyramidal ceiling and a niche in the back (west) wall. Restorations were made during the Five Dynasties (907–960) and the Western Xia period (1032–1227).
The statues within the back wall niche include a Buddha, two disciples, and three Bodhisattvas. A fourth Bodhisattva on the left side has been removed. Outside the niche are another two Bodhisattvas, who kneel on square pedestals. The Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne. The disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda stand to the left and right of the Buddha, and the Bodhisattvas next to the disciples are seated in the relaxation posture. The remaining Bodhisattvas kneel in a gesture of offering. The walls of the niche display images of disciples and Bodhisattvas, and on the ceiling is a mural of the Buddha teaching the Dharma to an assembly. Elements of the Early Tang (618–712) style are evident in the niche sculptures.
The ceiling in the main chamber features a lotus motif in the center and floral designs on the four ceiling slopes. Illustrations of the Pure Land and Bodhisattvas making offerings are on the north, south, and front (east) walls, all painted during the Western Xia period. Images of Heavenly Kings from the Five Dynasties remain on the north wall, and an image of Naga King Paying Respect to the Buddha is to the left of the entrance on the front wall. On both walls of the corridor are Bodhisattvas making offerings, all from the Western Xia period.