Mogao Cave 17: Amitabha, Ksitigarbha, and the Ten Kings of Hell

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

This colorful, well preserved painting is divided into two sections. Amitabha Buddha is shown in the Western Pure Land in the upper section; Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Kings of Hell are painted below. The Pure Land is represented with a heavenly palace, pools, and outdoor terraces. Amitabha Buddha sits on a lotus throne and forms the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. The Buddha has a brightly patterned aureole and a nimbus filled with swirling colors. Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas sit beside Amitabha. Disciples, heavenly kings, and heavenly musicians surround the three central figures.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is in the center of the lower section, sitting on a tall lotus throne and holding a large white jewel in the left hand. The Bodhisattva wears a vermilion monastic robe and a maroon headscarf that hangs over the shoulders. The nimbus and mandorla are composed of multiple rings of color and radiate curving lines of light. Different types of beings in each of the six realms of existence are portrayed between the lines.
Incense burners are placed on an altar below Ksitigarbha’s colorful throne. The monk Daoming, dressed in a black robe, stands on a carpet on the right, joining his palms in reverence. On the left, A lion sits on a rocky pedestal. The Ten Kings of Hell and the Recorders of Good and Evil are painted in the corners. They wear official’s robes and hold white scepters or scrolls. A decorative diamond-patterned border frames the images. The crisp, fine strokes of the painting suggest that it was likely done using a reed pen.