Mogao Cave 72: Story of Liu Sahe

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

Cave 72 is situated in the central section of the south area of the site. An entrance in the south wall of the antechamber leads to Cave 73. The main chamber of Cave 72 has a truncated pyramidal ceiling and a niche on the back (west) wall. On the north wall is an illustration of the Maitreya Sutras, and on the front (east) wall is the Battle Between Sariputra and Raudraksa.
This mural depicting the story of Liu Sahe occupies the entire south wall of the main chamber of Cave 72, and is considered a masterpiece among the historical paintings at Mogao. According to the inscriptions, more than 30 scenes are displayed. The mural narrates the prediction of the monk Liu Sahe from Taiyuan city, who said that a great Buddha statue would remain incomplete until there was stability in society.
The numerous failed attempts to place the head on the statue are illustrated on the sides of the mural. In one image, wooden scaffolding and stairs are built around the statue, with 15 monks and craftsmen working on the project. The standing Buddha image is almost complete but is without a head. Three heads lie at its feet, and a group of workers look up with dismay. At the center of the upper register is a final celebration scene, with Bodhisattvas venerating the statue of the Buddha as the head is placed on the figure.