Mogao Cave 17: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra

CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty

In this 9th century painting, the Western Pure Land is depicted in the center, the story of King Ajatasatru on the right panel, and the Sixteen Contemplations on the left panel. It is inspired by the Amitayurdhyana Sutra, which begins with the story of Ajatasatru and expounds the means to enter the Western Pure Land through the Sixteen Contemplations.
Amitabha Buddha is in the middle of the picture, flanked by Avalokitesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattvas. On the platform directly below the Buddha, six heavenly musicians play instruments while another heavenly being dances. A pond surrounding the platform contains garudas, peacocks, parrots, and lotus-born children. Buddhas and Bodhisattvas sit on either side of the pond. A large heavenly palace is painted in the upper register. Red lines decorated with diamond patterns separate the central image from the scenes on the side panels.