Mogao Cave 445: Illustration of the Maitreya Sutras - Renunciation

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This illustration is on the north wall of the main chamber and details a depiction of Maitreya’s mother and court ladies receiving tonsure. The illustration is opposite the tonsure ceremony of King Sankha and his courtiers. A nun shaves the head of Maitreya’s mother, who is seated with palms joined and wears a monastic robe. Half of her hair has been shaved and an attendant kneels beside her. A nun holds a monastic robe behind the attendant, and a woman in lay clothing sits with palms joined behind Maitreya’s mother. A woman next to Maitreya’s mother is depicted in the process of being tonsured by a nun. Eight women are seated behind this woman within a screened area, awaiting tonsure. They sit peacefully and speak among themselves. The figures in the mural are depicted in an orderly manner.