Tianlongshan Cave 3: Vimalakirti

CHINA, Shanxi, Taiyuan; Eastern Wei dynasty

Originally situated to the right of the east wall niche, facing the Manjusri Bodhisattva directly opposite, this carving is now kept in the Osaka Municipal Museum of Art in Japan.
Vimalakirti sits under a canopy that has drapery along the top and both sides. He wears a loose gown fastened with a sash. His left hand rests on the square bed, while his right hand holds a whisk. The figure’s posture is indicative of a debate with Manjusri. The debate between Vimalakirti and Manjusri is a common theme in the cave art of the Northern Dynasties (386–581).
Sculptures of Vimalakirti and Manjusri Bodhisattva are typically situated in opposite positions outside the niches or on top of entrances inside the caves. When coupled with the sculptures of figures making offerings on the north sides of the Buddha niches, the cave as a whole displays symmetry.