Mogao Cave 444: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This mural is located in the center of the south wall within the main chamber. It was painted during the High Tang period (712–756). Amitabha Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne in the center. There is an altar and mountain censer in front of the Buddha, and a canopy above his head. Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas flank the Buddha. Their faces are full and they stand barefoot on lotus pedestals, leaning back slightly at the waist. The Bodhisattvas wear headdresses, necklaces, and stoles around their arms. One holds a vase while the other holds a lotus flower. Bamboo shoots are painted above the two Bodhisattvas. The mural is framed on three sides by a hexagonal pattern with small flowers, and by a multicolored square pattern along the bottom. The mural has darkened over time, but much of the details remain visible.