Yulin Cave 29: Male Donors and Servants

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Western Xia period

This mural is located on the bottom left corner of the front (south) wall. According to the cartouches, the first figure is Zhao Mayu, a division official of Shazhou, followed by his two sons and his grandson in between.
The first and second figures wear Tangut court headgear, round-collared robes with narrow sleeves and pleated hems, and a sash tied at the waist. The third figure is dressed in a similar style with slightly different details on the robe. All of the figures have rounded faces and delicate facial features. The small child between the second and third figures was first painted on paper, then cut out and glued to the wall. The hairstyle, clothing and facial expressions of the figures are characteristic of the Tangut people of the Western Xia period (1032–1227).
Three smaller servants are depicted behind the three main figures. One wears a cloth tied around the head and a round-collared robe with the hem tied up revealing fitted pants and hemp shoes. This figure holds a long staff that rests upon the right shoulder. The other two servants have bald patches and wear clothing similar to that of the first. Both figures hold objects at their chests. The facial features and expression of the three servants are particularly expressive and distinct.