Mogao Cave 397: Life of the Buddha - Great Departure

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui to Tang dynasty

This mural is located on the ceiling of the back (west) wall niche. Prince Siddhartha has a petal-shaped nimbus and wears a crown, a wide-sleeved robe, and a belt. The prince’s right hand is placed on the leg and the left is held palm out at shoulder level. The horse’s head is bowed and the hooves are raised, beneath which are two flying Heavenly Kings who wear stoles. The Heavenly Kings turn their bodies and support the hooves with their hands.
Four apsaras accompany the prince. Two are flying and wear crowns, long lower garments, and stoles which flutter behind them. The upper apsara swoops downwards and carries flowers while the lower one turns to face the prince and holds a drum. The other two apsaras walk behind the prince. Each apsara has a peach-shaped nimbus, a jeweled crown, and colorful fluttering stoles. Their upper bodies are bare. They wear long lower garments, and stand barefoot on lotus pedestals. One of them plucks the strings of a lute while the other plays a harp. The mural is painted in colors such as mineral blue and green on an ocher red background.