Mogao Cave 9: Manjusri Bodhisattva and Attendants

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This Late Tang period (846–907) mural is located on the front (east) wall of the main chamber, to the left of the entrance. Manjusri Bodhisattva is in the center, seated in half lotus position upon a fierce lion. The Bodhisattva is depicted with a serious expression, and wears blue robes with an embroidered collar and various ornaments. The hair is tied in a topknot, with a colorful nimbus encircling the head and a multi-layered mandorla around the figure. The lion is white with a green mane and its mouth is wide open in a roar. A servant holds the lion’s reins and looks up at the animal. There are the Four Heavenly Kings, Sakra and his attendants, and a retinue of Bodhisattvas and Dharma protectors surrounding Manjusri, with an ornate canopy hanging above. The illustration is painted within a decorative square border.