Mogao Cave 321

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang

Situated in the south area, this shrine cave was constructed in the Early Tang period (618–712) and was renovated during the Five Dynasties (907–960) and Qing dynasty (1644–1911). The cave consists of an antechamber and a main chamber connected by a corridor. In the antechamber, to the right of the entrance on the back (west) wall is an illustration of the Naraka Sutra with depictions of the hells. The murals in the corridor were painted in the Five Dynasties, including a canopy on the ceiling.
The main chamber has a truncated pyramidal ceiling with a large lotus medallion in the center surrounded by decorative patterns. The four slopes of the ceiling are covered with colorful Thousand Buddha images.
In the back wall of the main chamber is a rectangular niche housing statues of the Buddha, two disciples, two Bodhisattvas, and two Heavenly Kings, all of which were repaired or replaced in the Qing dynasty. The ceiling of the niche has a mural with three Buddhas seated in full lotus position on clouds with attendant Bodhisattvas. In the background, apsaras, flowers, and birds fly about in a blue sky. Outside the niche are Thousand Buddhas, and to each side is a sculpture of a lion. On the south wall is an illustration of the Ratnamegha Sutra, and at the top are ten images of the Buddha seated either in full lotus position or with legs pendent. On the north wall is a mural of the Western Pure Land of Amitabha Buddha. At the top are four seated Buddhas in full lotus position, riding on clouds and flanked by Bodhisattvas. Below are palaces, pavilions, towers, and flowering trees. In the center is a large lotus pond with a platform upon which Amitabha Buddha is seated on a lotus throne in full lotus position. Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas flank the Buddha, and an assembly of Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings surround them, listening to the Dharma. On a platform in the pond are heavenly musicians and a dancer.
Above the entrance on the front (east) wall is a mural of the Buddha seated with legs pendent on a diamond throne. Four flanking Bodhisattvas stand in tribhanga posture on lotus pedestals. On both sides are seated Buddhas teaching beneath Bodhi trees and flanked by Bodhisattvas. On the right of the entrance is a standing Buddha beneath a Bodhi tree accompanied by two Bodhisattvas, and to the left of the entrance is an image of Eleven-Headed, Six-Armed Avalokitesvara with two Bodhisattvas. At the bottom of the front wall are images of donors from the Five Dynasties.