Yulin Cave 3: Male Donor

CHINA, Gansu, Guazhou; Yuan dynasty

This image is found on the north wall of the corridor. Similar donor figures are also found on both the north and south corridor walls, along the top and bottom. There are five females on the south wall and five males on the north wall. The donors were all painted during the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368).
This figure stands with palms joined and pays respect to the Buddha. The face is round and has delicate features with a fine mustache, kind eyes, and an amiable smile. The figure wears a wide-brimmed hat that is adorned with a feather, while braids hang down both shoulders. The donor’s long robe has a crossed collar and black boots are worn. The image is mostly likely a depiction of a young Mongolian nobleman.
The Mongolian army captured Shazhou in 1227, which brought an end to the Western Xia period (1032–1227). The states of Shazhou and Guazhou were occupied, and the area of Dunhuang became an army garrison.