Mogao Cave 275: Life of the Buddha - Four Encounters

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Liang Kingdom

Located on the middle section of the south wall, this mural depicts the four encounters that inspired young Prince Siddhartha to seek enlightenment. Having grown up within the walls of the palace, Prince Siddhartha was purposely sheltered from the inevitable sufferings of aging, sickness, and death. Upon witnessing these sufferings for himself, and then meeting a monk, the prince decided to renounce secular life. The mural has suffered much damage. From what can still be seen, Prince Siddhartha rides a horse to each of four city gates, accompanied by heavenly musicians, apsaras, and attendants. The musicians play Chinese-style instruments, including a lute and a flute. In front of the first gate, Prince Siddhartha encounters an old man with long hair who wears a tattered cloth around the waist. The man is stooped and barefoot, and is engaged in conversation with one of the attendants. Beside another gate, the prince dismounts to talk with a monk on the road. Between the two figures are three heavenly musicians, and above are flying apsaras. The monk raises his right hand as if in conversion.
Based on the layout of the mural, it is assumed that the two other encounters were also depicted at two city gates. Unfortunately, the scenes are no longer discernible, but more musicians, apsaras, and two Bodhisattvas can still be seen.