Eastern Thousand Buddha Cave 5: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and Attendants

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Western Xia period

This mural is located on the north wall of the front section of Cave 5. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, located in the center, sits upon a lotus throne on the back of a white elephant. A mahout stands below, leading the elephant through the cloudy landscape. Samantabhadra wears a monastic robe draped over the left shoulder, as well as earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. A nimbus surrounds the head, and a four-layered mandorla encircles the body. One hand rests in the lap, while the other raises an offering plate covered with a green object. An attendant Bodhisattva and a disciple are located on each side of Samantabhadra. The attendant Bodhisattvas stand barefoot on lotus pedestals, wearing long lower garments, necklaces, bracelets, and long draped stoles. The two disciples at the outer edges of the mural wear monastic robes similar to that of Samantabhadra. Two other figures making offerings are depicted beside the elephant. In the upper register, Dharma instruments rest on tufts of cloud in front of distant mountains.