Mogao Cave 295: Illustration of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra - Guhyapadavajra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

This detail is found below the central figure of Sakyamuni Buddha within the illustration of the Mahaparinirvana Sutra on the west slope of the gabled ceiling. Guhyapadavajra is a Dharma protector. According to the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, he collapsed to the ground in grief after the Buddha entered parinirvana. In the mural, Guhyapadavajra wears a crown and a stole that trails through the air above him. His hands are held as fists, the right hand raised to his head and the left in front of his chest. The figure wears anklets, bracelets, and a wide necklace. His legs are crossed, and his abdomen protrudes slightly. He is bare-chested, and his dhoti is tied at the waist with a sash. A long red stole is coiled loosely around his arms.