Mogao Cave 159: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra - Chapter on Skillful Means - Tibetan King

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This image of a Tibetan king visiting Vimalakirti is on the lower right side of the front (east) wall within the main chamber. The scene is from the “Chapter on Skillful Means,” which describes how the ailing Vimalakirti was visited by kings, princes, nobles, and officials from many different regions.
The king wears a tall red hat and has a round face. He wears a long robe with a wide collar, a pearl necklace, and a belt around his waist. He holds an incense burner in his right hand and stands on a square platform with feet apart. A parasol is held up by one of the three attendants behind him, while the other two hold flowers and a plate of offerings. They are dressed in similar attire to the king; each has braided hair and wears a tall hat and long robe. Behind them are princes and officials from other regions. In front of the king, two attendants carry an incense burner and offerings, while a third stands looking back with two daggers secured on his belt. The inclusion of Tibetan royalty in this illustration of the sutra is unique to the Mid-Tang period (756–846), when Tibetans ruled in the Dunhuang area. This image is painted in soft, fine lines and light colors. The diverse characters and facial expressions are portrayed with vivid clarity.