Mogao Cave 322: Maitreya Buddha Teaching the Dharma

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This painting is located on the south wall of the main chamber. Maitreya Buddha is seated with legs pendent on a Sumeru throne and three Bodhisattvas standing to each side. Two trees and a canopy shelter the Buddha overhead and in front is an incense burner flanked by kneeling Bodhisattvas. The Buddha has a large usnisa and a mustache, and is clothed in monastic robes with hands forming the vitarka (teaching) mudra. The Buddha’s feet rest on lotus pedestals.
The Bodhisattvas closest to the Buddha face outwards. They are smaller than the others and are clothed in simple garments. The Bodhisattvas in the middle have round faces with slender eyes and brows. They are bare-chested with stoles draped over the left shoulder and they hold lotuses in their hands. The outermost Bodhisattvas face toward the Buddha. They wear headdresses, ornaments around their necks, and stoles draped across their chests. Both hold glazed bowls and long-stemmed lotuses, and they stand on lotus pedestals.