Tuyoq Caves: Illustration of the Western Pure Land

CHINA, Xinjiang, Turpan; Tang dynasty

Discovered in the Tuyoq Caves, this appears to be the lower left section of a painting of the Western Pure Land. Part of an inscription in the lower register is preserved; it dates the painting to 771 and states that it was commissioned by Madam Fan Yang. On the upper half of the fragment, two heavenly musicians with black hair kneel on a platform above a lotus pond, playing musical instruments. Stoles flutter around their bodies. The lotus pond below is enclosed by balustrades. A bird stands on the top railing and spreads its wings. Two figures making offerings are painted in the lower left corner. The painting was sketched with ink lines and partially filled in with pale colors. The bird and the faces of the figures making offerings are depicted with faint lines, suggesting that the painting was repaired or altered.