Mogao Cave 85: Illustration of the Medicine Buddha Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This illustration of the Medicine Buddha Sutra mural from the Late Tang period (846–907) is situated on the central panel of the north wall within the main chamber. In the upper register is a magnificent palace, and in the courtyard below, Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings are gathered around the Medicine Buddha, who is seated in the center. The Buddha and his two attendant Bodhisattvas are larger than those in the surrounding assembly.
Beneath the palace courtyard are five small platforms connected by bridges. On the middle platform are two heavenly dancers, their stoles flying about them, and on either side are musicians playing various instruments. In front of these are four more platforms; on the two side platforms are seated Buddhas surrounded by Bodhisattvas, while yaksas and heavenly beings are gathered on the two smaller center platforms.