Mogao Cave 17: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties

This painting illustrates the “Chapter on Manjusri’s Visit” from the Vimalakirti Sutra. The sutra describes how the Buddha sent Manjusri Bodhisattva to visit the distinguished lay disciple Vimalakirti to inquire about his heath. The visit eventually leads to a brilliant debate on the nature of emptiness. Depictions of scenes from the sutra were prevalent during the Southern and Northern dynasties (386–589) through to the Five Dynasties (907–960). Vimalakirti and Manjusri are usually shown sitting on opposite sides of such illustrations. In this picture, Vimalakirti is not shown, suggesting that there was a second painting meant to hang on the left beside this one.
Manjusri Bodhisattva, appearing to speak and gesturing with the hands, sits on a square platform. The Bodhisattva wears a headdress and ornaments, and has a nimbus and an aureole composed of colorful rings. Small images of lions, a symbol of Manjusri, are painted on the side of the platform. Bodhisattvas, disciples, Heavenly Kings, and Dharma protectors stand on the right beside Manjusri, all joining their palms together and appearing to listen attentively to the debate. A canopy decorated with ornaments and flaming jewels hangs at the top of the picture. Three small figures sit on a lotus throne that floats on a cloud below the canopy. On the left, Accumulated Fragrance Bodhisattva is partially visible. A king dressed in a black robe decorated with images of dragons stands in the center of the lower register. Two attendants hold fans above the head of the king, while other figures stand with their palms joined.