Wutaishan Yanshan Temple Manjusri Hall: Illustration of the Returning Favors Sutra - Chapter on Filial Piety

CHINA, Shanxi, Xinzhou; Jin dynasty

This mural on the right side of the east wall in the Manjusri Hall illustrates scenes from the “Chapter on Filial Piety” in the Returning Favors Sutra. Differing from traditional sutra illustrations that use a Dharma teaching or lesson from the story as the main image, this mural instead features an intricate depiction of a palace in the center. Steps lead up from the large lower buildings to a three-bay wide hall with a double-eave hip-and-gable roof. On the balcony outside of the hall, a queen worships before an altar covered with offerings, accompanied by palace maids and court officials. Small figures, colorful clouds, and rolling hills surround the palace.