Mogao Cave 397: Life of the Buddha - Conception

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

This mural is on the ceiling of the back (west) wall niche. A Bodhisattva is seated on an elephant in the center. The Bodhisattva has necklaces, a nimbus, a crown with flaming jewels, and a stole which flutters in the wind. The left hand rests palm up on the leg while the right is raised and held palm out at shoulder height. A long lower garment is worn, and the right leg is crossed upon the lotus throne while the left hangs down naturally. The elephant appears to be running, with clouds gathering around its legs. Lotuses bloom at the tips of the elephant’s tusks and tiny apsaras stand on the lotuses. An apsara in front of the elephant plays a drum, and two more follow behind playing a reed pipe and a pear-shaped lute. Above the figures, another apsara flies downward toward the Bodhisattva and holds a lotus in offering.