Mogao Cave 159: Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and Attendants

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is painted on the left beside the niche on the back (west) wall of the main chamber. Samantabhadra rides on the back of an elephant. The Bodhisattva wears a crown and is clad in a celestial robe and long lower garment. A bowl is held in the left hand and a lotus stalk is in the right. Samantabhadra is seated in half lotus position on a lotus throne, which in turn is supported by a Sumeru base on the back of the white elephant. The white elephant has six tusks, a curled trunk, and looks back towards the right. Two attendants flank the elephant; one holds a whip, and the other holds an incense burner above his head with both hands. Samantabhadra is surrounded by a retinue of figures including Brahma, heavenly musicians, Bodhisattvas, and the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors. Above Samantabhadra are mountains and a mist-shrouded lake.