Maijishan Grotto 26: Illustration of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Tianshui; Northern Zhou dynasty

This mural of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, which covers half of the back, right, and left slopes of the ceiling, is 3.45 m in width. The right side of the back slope depicts Sakyamuni Buddha, who sits between twin sala trees and teaches the Dharma to his disciples. On the left side, Sakyamuni Buddha lies on the seven-jeweled bed and enters parinirvana as his disciples mourn. Mahakasyapa appears at the Buddha’s feet. A gold coffin with lid is painted in the left corner. The remaining paintings on the left and right ceiling slopes portray the final offerings from various figures, including Bodhisattvas, disciples, heavenly beings, male and female devotees, and princes from different kingdoms. The style in general is characteristic of the Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581) and the subject matter is a common subject for grotto illustrations, as seen on the back walls of Grottoes 127 and 135.