Mogao Cave 220: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra - Vimalakirti

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This image from the illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra is to the right of the doorway on the front (east) wall of the main chamber. Vimalakirti is depicted sitting on a canopy bed. He holds a whisk and wears a white head scarf. He leans forward, and has wide eyes and knitted eyebrows. Vimalakirti’s mouth is open, suggesting that he is engaging in debate with Manjusri Bodhisattva.
Standing before Vimalakirti are a monk and a female heavenly being; this references the episode of the heavenly being jesting with Sariputra by interchanging bodily forms with the monk. Below is a scene of the princes of many kingdoms inquiring after Vimalakirti’s health. There are ten princes and court officials, all depicted in different outfits that reflect their various ethnicities. Some of the princes listen intently to the Dharma discussion with palms joined, while others converse among themselves. This group counterbalances Manjusri’s followers on the left side of the mural. The fine brushwork is representative of the style of the Early Tang period (618–712).