Mogao Cave 17: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

This painting from Mogao Cave 17 is based on descriptions in the Amitayurdhyana Sutra. Amitabha Buddha sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne in the center of the picture, teaching the Dharma in the Western Pure Land. The Buddha wears a red monastic robe over a green inner robe, and is backed by a nimbus and an aureole. Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva sits on a lotus throne on the right, and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva is on the left.
The three central figures are surrounded by a group of smaller Bodhisattvas. Below, two rows of heavenly musicians sit on a balcony, playing their instruments while another heavenly being dances. There are swans, peacocks, kalavinkas, and lotus-born children in the pond below the balcony. A Buddha and two Bodhisattvas sit on platforms on either side of the pond. The Buddhas resemble the central figure of Amitabha. A blank cartouche flanked by lotuses and offerings is painted in the center of the lower register. Although the lower right corner of the mural is damaged, a kneeling figure and an attendant are still partially visible.
The panels on the right side of the painting depict the story of Ajatasatru, and those on the left portray the Sixteen Contemplations. Heavenly palaces fill the upper register. The decorative patterns on the nimbuses and aureoles of the central figures indicate that the painting was made in the early 9th century.