Maijishan Grotto 4: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Song dynasty

The sculptures are located on the upper section of the left and right walls of the portico, and together they depict a scene from the Vimalakirti Sutra. The sculptures were created in the Song dynasty (960–1279) and restored during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
The right wall’s upper niche contains a statue of the layman Vimalakirti and three female heavenly beings. Seated on a throne, Vimalakirti is depicted as an elderly man wearing Chinese clothing. Vimalakirti has a full face, a thick, short neck, high brow ridge, and a lively facial expression. The slightly opened mouth implies that Vimalakirti is teaching the Dharma. The left arm, concealed by the sleeve, rests on the left knee. The right hand holds a whisk. On the left, a female heavenly being raises her head as if to hear Vimalakirti teach the Dharma. The left niche holds a statue of Manjusri Bodhisattva with legs pendent, one flanking attendant, and three disciples. Manjusri joins his palms and appears to listen attentively to the Dharma.