Western Thousand Buddha Cave 18: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This illustration is located on the south slope of the ceiling. The four slopes of the ceiling were originally painted with similar images, however the paintings on the east, west, and north slopes are considerably damaged. This image depicts a Buddha seated in full lotus position on a lotus throne. The Buddha has vivid green hair decorated with a yellow jewel, elongated earlobes, and green eyebrows. He is clothed in a red monastic robe with green and blue accents. The round mandorla that surrounds the Buddha is decorated with a multi-colored ripple pattern, while the nimbus consists of simple green and blue circles.
Two Bodhi trees with bright green leaves support an ornate canopy above the Buddha’s head. A square table in front of the Buddha holds offerings and is flanked by two kneeling Bodhisattvas. There are the Thousands Buddhas with round mandorlas surrounding the central Buddha.