Mogao Cave 361: Illustration of the Maitreya Sutras

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is on the north wall of the main chamber and dates to the Mid-Tang period (756–846). In the upper register is a depiction of Tusita Heaven from the Sutra on the Ascent of Maitreya. The middle and lower registers show various scenes from the Sutra on the Descent of Maitreya, including the three assemblies, Maitreya’s birth, and Maitreya’s descent from Tusita Heaven. A unique feature of this illustration is the scene of the birth of Maitreya in the lower register. The narrative progresses through houses and courtyards from right to left and includes such scenes as: Maitreya entering his mother Brahmavati’s womb in a dream, Maitreya being born from his mother’s right side, the purification bath performed by nine dragons, lotus flowers blossoming beneath his feet, and other scenes. The illustration is orderly and forms a coherent narrative.