Mogao Cave 156: Journey of Zhang Yichao

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This Late Tang period (846–907) mural is painted on the lower south wall and the right side of the front (east) wall within the main chamber of Cave 156. It depicts Governor Zhang Yichao leading his army on a mission. Zhang Yichao, a native of Shazhou (present day Dunhuang), led the revolt that overthrew Tibetan rule in Shazhou in the year 848. Three years later, the Tang government appointed him governor of the region. The Zhang family were devout Buddhists; according to Tang dynasty records, members of the family built Mogao Caves 16 and 17 in 851, and Cave 9 between 890 and 893.
From right to left, the figures in this mural can be divided into three groups: the outriders, the main troops, and the logistics team. The outriders ride in a two line formation. In each line, four riders hold horns, one armored soldier holds a large flag, three more hold spears, and five scholars on horseback are labeled “Captains of the Guard.” Between the mounted captains are eight dancers who face each other in two lines. Those walking in the upper line have double-knotted coiffures and wear Tibetan clothing. They stand with their right hands on their waists and left hands raised. Those walking in the lower line wear hats and Han Chinese clothing. They stand with their left hands on their waists and right hands raised. After the dancers comes a line of 14 musicians playing a reed instrument, flute, drums, and other traditional Chinese instruments.
At the center of the mural is Zhang Yichao, wearing a white hat and red clothing. Taller than the others, he rides a white horse towards a small arched bridge. Two attendants stand beside his horse. The scene is captioned with a cartouche naming his various titles. In front of the arched bridge, the line of captains is followed by two lines of flag-bearers. Behind them are two guards, followed by three riders with the caption “Silver Knife Officers,” as well as eight infantry holding staffs. Zhang Yichao is followed by knights on horseback, a rider carrying a large army banner, and more infantry. Taking up the rear are hunters on horseback and the rest of the logistics team. Zhang Yichao is surrounded by numerous characters, emphasizing his power and importance. This carefully structured illustration was the model for several subsequent murals in other caves at the same site.