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Mogao Cave 296: Illustration of the Sutra on the Field of Merits
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Mogao Cave 296: Illustration of the Sutra on the Field of Merits
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Mogao Cave 296: Illustration of the Sutra on the Field of Merits
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581)
This illustration is located on the north slope of the ceiling, and is composed of two rows of scenes. The imagery is based on a monk’s elaboration of his past lives found in the Sutra on the Field of Merits. Within the mural, figures go about establishing a monastery and participating in its daily affairs. In the upper row: laborers build a monastery and stupa, fruits are grown in an orchard, water is drawn from a well, and horses and camels are fed. In the lower row, a man paints a mural beside a house, people tend to the ill, and merchandise is transported on mules and camels.
This sutra illustration, similar to others produced during the Northern Dynasties (386-581), does not include images of the Buddha teaching the Dharma from the Introductory Chapter |
