Bingling Temple Cave 3: Arhats

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Ming dynasty

These murals are located on the right side of the west wall. Altogether, there is a total of 11 smaller murals distributed around the central image of a Buddha with two disciples. In each smaller mural, the central figure is an Arhat depicted in various scenes.
Counting from the left, the third and fourth Arhat images, are the most well-preserved. The third Arhat is dressed in white and sits in the full lotus position upon a platform. A stone cliff and bamboo branches are depicted behind him. Two smaller figures stand on the right holding offerings and looking up toward the Arhat, while to the left is a deer holding a branch in its mouth. The fourth image depicts an Arhat seated upon a platform and surrounded by red clouds. The figure holds a vajra in one hand, and an alms bowl in the other. A smaller figure holding a vase which releases five-colored smoke is seen to the right, while a cloud containing a dragon can be found in the top left corner. It is suggested that he is the Dragon-Subduing Arhat.