Yulin Cave 3: Manjusri Bodhisattva and Attendants

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Western Xia period

This mural is located on the right side of the front (west) wall, and is paired with the illustration of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and Attendants on the left side. These themes were popular during the Tang dynasty (618–907). They are somewhat unique among art from the Tang period in that they more or less equally emphasize both the landscape and the characters.
Astride a lion, Manjusri Bodhisattva sits in half lotus position upon a lotus throne. With a calm and composed expressions Manjusri holds a ruyi (wish-fulfilling talisman). The lion symbolizes the power of the Bodhisattva’s wisdom, and beneath its paws lotus flowers bloom. A retinue of attendants accompany Manjusri across the clouds, including Sakra, Bodhisattvas, Arhats, Heavenly Kings, and children.
An ink line drawing technique was used to depict the figures. As the figures demonstrate, by the 11th century Buddhist art in the area was heavily sinicized. The characters are all dressed in Chinese clothing, and Sakra wears imperial clothing. The horizon is filled with peaks and multi-story buildings, while the rocks and cliffs appear to fuse into the clouds. This style is markedly similar to the artwork created by Song dynasty (960–1279) artists Li Tang and Xia Gui. The mural has a thin wash of paint applied over the ink, which gives the effect of haziness. A notable aspect of this illustration is the inclusion of both Buddhist and Daoist stylistic elements, which reflects the confluence of artistic styles across varied cultural elements.