Mogao Cave 407: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Sui dynasty

This mural is above the entrance on the front (east) wall. Sakyamuni Buddha is seated in full lotus position on a Sumeru throne. The Buddha has a round face, curved eyebrows, elongated ears, and a usnisa. The figure wears red robes with long, loose sleeves and has broad shoulders. The right hand is raised in front of the chest and the left is held before the abdomen with the thumb and middle finger touching. A canopy embellished with jewels, lotuses, and chimes hangs above the Buddha, and on each side of the canopy is an apsara flying amidst floating clouds.
Two disciples with joined palms, Mahakasyapa and Ananda, stand on either side of the Buddha. Both disciples wear white robes with long, loose sleeves. Mahakasyapa has wrinkles and downcast eyes, as if deep in thought. Ananda appears gentle and smiles. The two attendant Bodhisattvas are bare-chested and wear three-jewel crowns, necklaces, bracelets, long stoles, and lower garments. Their abdomens protrude slightly and they stand in graceful postures on lotus pedestals. The dominant color of the mural is ocher red, and other colors include mineral green, mineral blue, and white.