Yulin Cave 25: Illustration of the Sutra on the Descent of Maitreya - Final Farewell

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Tang dynasty

This detail is located in the middle left section of the illustration of the Sutra on the Descent of Maitreya. The sutra states that “People who are about to pass away will make their way to the cemetery to die. And during this time of Maitreya Buddha, people will enjoy peace and happiness, without the worries of theft or robbery.”
This final farewell scene is depicted within a cemetery, and reflects the sadness of relatives reluctant to part with their deceased. A small figure prostrates in front of a tomb, while a man covers his face in grief and a woman wipes away her tears. An old man with white hair and beard sits within a dome-like tomb, grasping a cane with one hand and his granddaughter’s arm with the other. Elsewhere, an old man stands beside the gates of the cemetery. A cartouche written in ancient Tibetan is found at the bottom of the image.