Jinta Temple West Cave: Murals

CHINA, Gansu, Zhangye; Northern Liang Kingdom

These murals are located on the four side walls and flat ceiling of the West Cave. Three levels of murals on each wall remain, of which the bottom levels depict the Buddha teaching the Dharma. The Buddha is featured in the center with two attendant Bodhisattvas on either side; the surrounding area is filled with the Thousand Buddhas. The middle and upper levels once held a colorful depiction of the Thousand Buddhas, however, over time they have become indistinct and unclear.
The mural on the ceiling of the cave depicts a crowd of Bodhisattvas and disciples listening to Sakyamuni Buddha teaching the Dharma. Particularly interesting is the presence of rather large apsaras on the east side of the ceiling. There are two rows of seven apsaras, each holding an incense burner and facing toward the entrance of the cave. They appear robust with circular aureoles behind their heads. Some apsaras are bare above the waist, while others are clad in monastic robes that expose the right shoulder, flowing as they pose gracefully.
Several rows of Bodhisattvas making offerings are shown on the ceiling surrounding the central pillar. There are two rows on the right; the top row holds eight Bodhisattvas, while the bottom row has eleven. Bodhisattvas in the top row wear stoles, which are wrapped diagonally from the shoulder to the opposite armpit, and then wrapped once more around the elbows before they hang down. The Bodhisattvas in the bottom row have their hair arranged atop their heads and wear monastic robes that leave the right shoulder bare.
The figures are outlined in vermilion ink, and the clothing and accessories are colored in mineral green, yellow, or white. The lines of the paintings are thick and abundant, similar to those found in cave murals from earlier periods.