Mogao Cave 276: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra - Vimalakirti and Manjusri

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

These images are painted to either side of the niche on the back (west) wall of Cave 276. Manjusri is painted on the left, and Vimalakirti is on the right. They are part of a mural portraying the “Chapter on Manjusri’s Visit” from the Vimalakirti Sutra. The earliest illustrations of this sutra within the Mogao Caves date from the Sui dynasty (581–618), and all share a similar layout. The placement of Manjusri opposite Vimalakirti, with the two facing each other as if engaged in discussion, is fairly standard. However, this mural noticeably lacks the usual depiction of a gathering of human and celestial guests, and Vimalakirti is shown standing rather than seated upon a sick bed. Vimalakirti wears a scholar’s cap and holds a whisk, his lips slightly parted in a smile. The figure exhibits the characteristics of a learned and confident elder. Manjusri stands beneath a Bodhi tree and wears flowing celestial garments. Surrounding the two figures is a landscape of trees and rocks.