Mogao Cave 461: Bodhisattvas and Disciples

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Zhou dynasty

These figures are on the left of the painted niche on the back (west) wall. All the figures are tall and have blushed cheeks. They are painted against a white background, characteristic of murals from the Western Wei dynasty (535–556). In the foreground, the Bodhisattvas stand on lotus pedestals and are turned toward the two Buddhas. The Bodhisattva on the left holds a large lotus and wears a crown with a honeysuckle pattern, along with a wide-sleeved robe and a stole that is tied at the front. The Bodhisattva on the right wears a triple disc crown, a stole, and a long lower garment. The disciples hold bows or flowers, or join their palms. The painting techniques used display a merging of styles between the Central Plains and Central Asian cultures.