Mogao Cave 220: Donors

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

These images are painted below the niche in the south wall of the corridor. A Buddha and a monk are drawn in black ink in the center, and are surrounded by light traces of a border. Next to the monk, a partially legible ink inscription dates the image to 857. It is assumed these two figures were painted before the donor figures on either side. On the right are four male figures painted in color. The two in the front are monks; the first holds an incense burner and the second carries a plate of fruit. The two figures that follow wear round-collared robes and hats, and join their palms. To the left of the Buddha image are three female figures making offerings. They wear robes with long, loose sleeves and have stoles draped over their arms. Both groups of donor figures face towards the center of the scene.