Bingling Temple Cave 169: Murals

CHINA, Gansu, Linxia; Western Qin Kingdom

These murals are located on the lower tier of the north wall. This particular area has the highest concentration of murals within the cave, featuring rich, colorful content and various themes. The murals can be separated into four sections labeled as Murals 10, 11, 12, and 13. Murals 10 and 13 are severely damaged, while most of Murals 11 and 12 remain in relatively good condition. The size of each mural is irregular, and the lack of coherent structure or layout suggests that they were painted at different times.
Mural 11 is located on the left and occupies 2 sq m. It can be further divided into four registers. The first, or uppermost, and fourth of these are severely damaged and have flaked off. Within these two, it is still possible to identify a standing Buddha, two figures making offerings, and an illustration of two seated Buddhas teaching the Dharma.
The second register is the clearest of the four and depicts a Buddha triad with two attendant Bodhisattvas. The Buddha sits in full lotus position and forms the dhyana (meditation) mudra with both hands. The Buddha’s face is painted white. There are cartouches alongside each of the two flanking Bodhisattvas, one is inscribed “Huayan Bodhisattva,” and the other reads “Candraprabha Bodhisattva.” The Bodhisattvas wear earrings and monastic robes, and each holds the stalk of a lotus flower. A flying apsara holding a stole in both hands is to the left of Huayan Bodhisattva. Beneath the apsara is a monk and three female figures making offerings.
The third register of the mural is made up of three scenes. From left to right, they are: a Buddha with two Bodhisattvas, the Buddha teaching the Dharma, and an illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra. The Vimalakirti Sutra image is particularly important as it is the first known illustration of that sutra found in China.
Mural 12 on the right is approximately 7 sq m and features a large illustration of the Buddha teaching the Dharma. The Buddha has a round, white face and a robust physique, and sits in full lotus position backed by a nimbus and round mandorla. Above the mandorla are lotus flowers with numerous seated Thousand Buddhas above them. Beneath the Buddha’s lotus throne are spiral motifs. The Bodhisattvas flanking the Buddha wear headdresses and robes. A kneeling figure with arms extended and palms joined is to the left of the Buddha.