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Mogao Cave 112: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra - Music and Dance
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Mogao Cave 112: Illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra - Music and Dance
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907)
This is part of a Mid-Tang period (756–846) illustration of the Amitayurdhyana Sutra on the south wall of Cave 112. An elegant heavenly being is shown performing before Amitabha Buddha. The being has a round face, long eyebrows, and a small red mouth. Flowing stoles are looped around the arms, and a pipa is held behind the head. The figure reaches back to pluck the strings and dances joyfully, inclined at the waist with one foot raised. The billowing stoles give the figure a sense of natural movement. The image illustrates the bliss experienced within the Western Pure Land. |
