Mogao Cave 103: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra - Vimalakirti

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This High Tang period (712–756) detail from the illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra is painted on the right side of the front (east) wall of the main chamber. Vimalakirti is seated on a canopy bed, gazing straight ahead with his eyebrows raised and lips slightly parted. He has a long beard and a dignified bearing. Vimalakirti holds a whisk in his right hand and leans forward, resting his left arm on his knee. To the left of Vimalakirti are a heavenly being and a monk. Princes and officials are gathered on the lower right. Emphasis is put on the line work in the painting, and minimal color is used. The accentuated, flowing strokes seem to express Vimalakirti’s inner thoughts. The mural is representative of the advanced line drawing techniques adopted by many artists in imitation of the renowned Tang dynasty painter Wu Daozi.