Mogao Cave 112: Illustration of the Diamond Sutra - Music and Dance

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This detail is in the lower register of the illustration of the Diamond Sutra on the south wall of the cave. The nine musicians wear headdresses, their hair is tied in topknots, and they are adorned with necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. The musicians are barefoot; long colorful stoles are draped around their shoulders, and colorful garments tied at the waist cover their lower bodies.
In the center of the painting, a smiling figure dances gracefully. The musicians are seated facing each other on either side of the dancer. On the left, the musicians play a conch shell, flute, reed instrument, and clappers. On the right, they play a harp, pipa, reed instrument, and drum. Each of the musicians assumes a different posture and appears both focused and delighted. The image conveys a sense of harmony and ease.