Mogao Cave 61: Wutaishan

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

Painted on the back (west) wall, this large mural depicts Wutaishan (Five Plateau Mountain), also known as Qingliangshan (Cool Mountain). Manjusri Bodhisattva is closely associated with the mountain, which has been revered by devotees from as early as the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534). During the Tang dynasty, maps of Wutaishan like this one spread from the Central Plains to the Hexi Corridor. This mural portrays a panoramic landscape of the area, including towns within approximately a 500 km radius of Taiyuan city.
Wutaishan stands in the center of the mural. In the upper register, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, and heavenly beings fly through the sky on clouds. Avalokitesvara and Vaisravana are among the figures depicted. Between the clouds are other figures including a Thunder Deity, a naga king, and the golden head of a Buddha. In the middle register are scenes of mountains, rivers and buildings, together with narrative illustrations, sacred sites, monasteries, and auspicious signs. People engaged in various religious activities are depicted, such as monks teaching the Dharma or practicing, and devotees paying respect to pagodas. The lower register illustrates the town below Wutaishan, and includes portrayals of daily life in the area such as interactions among merchants, travelers, officials, and local residents, as well as the daily affairs of the people. The layout of each building and its architectural styles are detailed, with the features articulated using a foreshortening technique.