Mogao Cave 154: Illustration of the Returning Favors Sutra - Music and Dance

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

These paintings are in the lower register of the illustration of the Returning Favors Sutra on the north wall of the main chamber in Cave 154. Three platforms are connected by bridges; on the central platform is a seated Buddha surrounded by disciples and Bodhisattvas, and on the other two platforms, musicians play various instruments. Within the group of musicians on the left, three play drums, two play lutes, one a flute, one a harp, and one in the back plays clappers. Within the group on the right, musicians in the front play a reed instrument, flute, and panpipe, and musicians in the second row play a reed instrument, flute, clappers, and cymbals. Another musician sits in the back playing an instrument that is not visible. On each of the connecting bridges is a dancer holding a stole and performing with one leg lifted. This detailed, lively scene is one of the finest Mid-Tang (756–846) paintings of music and dance in the Pure Land.