Mogao Cave 335

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang

This shrine cave is located in the south area and was constructed in the Early Tang period (618–712). It was renovated in the Mid-Tang period (756–846), as well as in the Song (960–1279), Yuan (1271–1368), and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. The cave consists of an antechamber and a main chamber connected by a corridor. In the antechamber, there are images of Thousand-Armed, Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara, Amoghapasa Avalokitesvara, and Cintamanicakra Avalokitesvara on the ceiling, and an illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra on the back (west) wall. The ceiling of the corridor displays an image of the Medicine Buddha from the Mid-Tang period.
The ceiling in the main chamber displays lotus and peony designs surrounded by decorative border patterns, including strings of beads, curling foliage, and circular floral patterns. The four slopes of the ceiling display Thousand Buddhas, all of which wear white double-collared robes and sit with hands in the dhyana (meditation) mudra.
A niche in the back wall of the main chamber houses statues of a Buddha, two disciples, and four Bodhisattvas. The Buddha was sculpted during the Tang dynasty (618–907) and remodeled later. A raised nimbus and mandorla behind the statue are decorated with curling foliage and flame patterns. The Buddha has curled hair and a usnisa, and wears monastic robes. The right hand is held palm out before the chest, and the left hand rests on the leg. The figure is seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne. The other statues were all made during the Qing dynasty, while the murals within the niche date to the Early Tang period. On the flat ceiling is an image of the Prabhutaratha Pagoda from the Lotus Sutra, with Sakyamuni and Prabhutaratna Buddhas wearing white monastic robes seated within. The pagoda is surrounded by Bodhisattvas who listen to the Dharma, and the entire scene is encircled by a large cloud. The two side walls of the niche display the Battle Between Sariputra and Raudraksa, and outside the niche to each side is a Bodhisattva. The two Bodhisattvas are tall and thin with refined clothing and accessories. One of the Bodhisattvas holds a vase.
A large illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra is on the north wall in the main chamber. Vimalakirti and Manjusri face each other as if in discussion. Vimalakirti is elderly and holds a whisk. Manjusri wears celestial garments and is seated on a Sumeru throne. They are surrounded by scenes from the chapters of the sutra. On the south wall is a large illustration of the Amitabha Sutra. At the top are 15 Buddhas with attendant Bodhisattvas riding on clouds. Below them are palaces and jeweled trees with a lotus pond at the center. Bodhisattvas and lotus-born children stand on lotus flowers in the pond, and on a platform in the center is Amitabha Buddha, seated in full lotus position and flanked by attendants. Below the pond are dancers and musicians surrounded by Bodhisattvas and heavenly beings, all with different postures and expressions. Above the entrance on the front (east) wall is an image of Amitabha Buddha teaching the Dharma, and to each side of the entrance are more teaching scenes, including one of the Medicine Buddha.