Mogao Cave 41

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang

Located in the south area, this cave was constructed during the High Tang period (712–756). An inscription on the north wall of the main chamber suggests the cave was originally completed in the year 726.
The main chamber has a truncated pyramidal ceiling and is connected to the antechamber by a corridor. The back (west) wall in the antechamber has five paintings of seated Buddhas from the Five Dynasties (907–960). Paintings from the same period can also be found on the ceiling of the antechamber and on both walls of the corridor.
The caisson ceiling in the main chamber has a floral design in the center with painted draperies around it. The Thousand Buddhas are painted on the four slopes of the ceiling. The niche on the back wall is missing the Buddha statue once enshrined there. The ceiling of the niche is painted with a canopy and clouds, and on the side walls are eight disciples. A Buddha teaching the Dharma, accompanied by two disciples and two Bodhisattvas, is on the back wall of the niche. Tall, slender trees form the background. Filling the space on either side of the image are the Thousand Buddhas. The Thousand Buddhas are painted above the entrance on the front (east) wall, while Bodhisattvas decorate both sides of the entrance. Many of these images are now faded.