Mogao Cave 100: Journey of Cao Yijin

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

Located on the east, west, and south walls of Cave 100, this mural is a rendering of a similar illustration in Mogao Cave 156, the Journey of Zhang Yichao from the Late Tang period (846–907). Much of the mural has been damaged. The military officers leading the journey advance on horseback. The six figures at the front hold reins in their left hands and large flags in their right. Behind the flags are eight dancers in two rows. The male dancers wear hats and colorful long-sleeved robes. The female dancers wear their hair in buns tied with ribbons. Behind the dancers are drummers, followed by more musicians playing various instruments.
The focus of the mural is Cao Yijin, depicted riding a white horse. He wears an official’s hat and a red robe with a belt buckled at the waist. Guards and soldiers follow behind carrying flags. The portrayal of people from different minority groups reflects the harmony and social stability in Dunhuang during that era.