Mogao Cave 17: Maitreya Buddha Triad

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Later Jin dynasty

The orange central figure, identified by an inscription as Maitreya Buddha, sits in full lotus position on a lotus throne beneath a canopy. The Buddha holds a bowl in the left hand while the right hand displays a mudra. Maitreya is flanked by attending Bodhisattvas sitting on lotus thrones, identified by inscriptions as Manjusri on the right and Samantabhadra on the left. Manjusri’s face is uncolored and the drafting lines remain visible. The Bodhisattvas appear unusually tall and slim, indicating that the lotus thrones and canopies were painted first and the figures were adjusted to fit the space.
The altar fronting Maitreya is covered with a cloth and offerings. According to the inscription in the lower register, uniquely written from left to right, the picture dates from 939. Figures making offerings are painted in the bottom corners.