Qingshan Temple Pagoda Murals

CHINA, Shaanxi, Xi’an; Tang dynasty

Several murals are painted in the corridors and main chamber of the underground palace of the Qingshan Temple Pagoda. The pagoda and underground palace were built between 713 and 741 of the Tang dynasty to enshrine a relic of the Buddha. According to an inscription on the pagoda, the murals were painted in 741.
A mountain range with towering peaks is painted in the center of the north wall of the main chamber. The Medicine Buddha and Amitabha Buddha stand beside the mountains. The Buddhas have high usnisas and wear loose robes secured at the waist. They are accompanied by two attendants dressed in Chinese clothing.
The east and west walls are both decorated with images of groups of heavenly musicians and dancers. A red pillar in the center of the walls divides the figures into two groups: one of performers and the other of their audience of five Arhats. Many of the figures are obscured by damage.