Mogao Cave 17: Figures Paying Respect to the Buddha

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties to Northern Song dynasty

This 10th century artwork from Mogao Cave 17 was painted on paper that resembles a palm leaf. In the center, the Buddha sits on a lotus throne beneath a floral canopy. He has yellow skin, a tall usnisa, a nimbus, and an aureole. Forming mudras in front of his chest with both hands, the Buddha appears to be teaching the Dharma. On the right, a Bodhisattva and a monk face the Buddha with their palms joined in reverence. The Bodhisattva has a stole draped over the arms and stands on a lotus pedestal. A stack of seven wish-fulfilling jewels rests on an altar on the far right. On the left, one standing and one kneeling monk bow and join their palms. All the monks wear the same patched monastic robe. Trees and plants are painted in the background.