Mogao Cave 302: Buddhas Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

These paintings are on the left side of the north wall and above the entrance on the front (east) wall within the main chamber. In both paintings, the Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne with a canopy above it. The Buddhas have round faces and broad shoulders. In the illustration on the north wall, two Bodhisattvas flank the Buddha. The Sumeru throne rests on a lotus flower, while in the background are two trees and celestial blossoms wafting through the air. There are remnants of gilding on the body of the Buddha and the ornaments worn by the Bodhisattvas.
In the painting on the front wall, there are four flanking Bodhisattvas, two on each side of the Buddha. The Bodhisattvas wear headdresses and long lower garments tied at the waist. They carry different items, including an incense burner, flowers, and a lotus bud on a stem.