Mogao Cave 288: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Western Wei dynasty

This mural is located on the south wall. The east slope of the gabled ceiling is wider than that of the west slope. Because the Buddha is centered below the peak of the ceiling, there is more space and thus more content on the left side of the mural than on the right. Sakyamuni Buddha sits in full lotus position upon a Sumeru throne. The Buddha’s urna, nose, eyelids, and earlobes are highlighted in white. On the left beside the Buddha are eight Bodhisattvas making offerings and three apsaras, while on the right there are two Bodhisattvas and one apsara. The mural has a splendid color arrangement, and is one of the more well-preserved illustrations within the Western Wei dynasty caves of Dunhuang.