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Mogao Cave 156: Illustration of the Maitreya Sutras
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Mogao Cave 156: Illustration of the Maitreya Sutras
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Mogao Cave 156: Illustration of the Maitreya Sutras
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907)
This mural dates from the Late Tang period (846–907) and is located on the west slope of the truncated pyramidal ceiling. At the top of the illustration is an image of Maitreya teaching the Dharma to a gathering of Bodhisattvas in Tusita Heaven. The imagery is taken from the Sutra on the Ascent of Maitreya. In the lower register, the three assemblies from the Sutra on the Descent of Maitreya are illustrated. The first assembly is in the center and is the largest, with the second and third to each side. Below the first assembly are scenes from the sutra, including King Sankha’s renunciation, and the destruction of the treasure platform. |
