Mogao Cave 435

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang

This central pillar cave is located in the south area of the Mogao Caves. It was built in the Northern Wei dynasty (386–534) and restored during the Five Dynasties (907–960). The front (east) wall and entrance have been heavily damaged, but otherwise the cave and its contents remain in good condition. The cave houses a central pillar which has a large niche on its east side, containing a seated Buddha statue and paintings of four Bodhisattvas beside the mandorla. Two warrior statues stand outside the niche, each with one hand on the waist and the other on the chest in the Dharma protecting gesture. Above the floriated lintel are images of the Buddha in meditation, two attendant Bodhisattvas, two apsaras, and three Bodhisattvas making offerings. Below the niche are paintings of monks, donors, and yaksas.
There are two niches in the north, south, and west sides of the central pillar. The upper niches are rectangular with a Buddha in meditation or a cross-ankled Bodhisattva within each, while attendant Bodhisattvas stand outside the niche. The lower niches are arched and each contains a Buddha in meditation or an Ascetic Sakyamuni, with attendant Bodhisattvas and apsaras flanking each side of the niche’s exterior. On three sides of the pillar base are images of yaksa.
The gabled ceiling at the front of the cave and the top sections of the four walls display images of heavenly musicians. On the back (west) wall, there are Thousand Buddhas, and a Buddha in a White Robe teaching the Dharma. On the north and south walls, there are Thousand Buddhas in the upper rear sections and Buddha teaching scenes in the front. Yaksas line the base of all four walls, depicted as twisting and leaping figures amidst mountains and rivers.