Mogao Cave 248

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang

Located in the south area of the site, this central pillar cave was constructed during the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534) and was renovated during the Western Xia period (1032–1227). The front of the main chamber has a gabled ceiling painted with Bodhisattvas holding flowers in offering. The flat ceiling at the rear of the main chamber is decorated with 11 diamond-shaped lotus motifs. There are niches in all four sides of the central pillar. The east niche contains a statue of a seated Buddha teaching the Dharma flanked by attendant Bodhisattvas standing outside the niche. In the south niche is a Buddha in meditation, in the west niche is an Ascetic Sakyamuni, and in the north niche is another Buddha in meditation. From practicing asceticism to meditation to teaching the Dharma, the statues represent the process of the Buddha’s enlightenment. The top of the pillar base is decorated with clouds, apsaras, and honeysuckle patterns, and the bottom has images of yaksas and donors. A teaching scene is painted on the north and south walls of the cave, while the remaining space on all four walls is filled with apsaras playing music, yaksas, and the Thousand Buddhas.