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Mogao Cave 17: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra
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Mogao Cave 17: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra
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Mogao Cave 17: Illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Five Dynasties (907–960); Ink and color on paper; 73.2 x 30.7 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
This painting illustrates the Chapter on Manjusri's Visit " from the Vimalakirti Sutra. The sutra describes how the Buddha sent Manjusri Bodhisattva to visit the distinguished lay disciple Vimalakirti to inquire about his heath. The visit eventually leads to a brilliant debate on the nature of emptiness. Depictions of scenes from the sutra were prevalent during the Southern and Northern dynasties (386-589) through to the Five Dynasties (907-960). Vimalakirti and Manjusri are usually shown sitting on opposite sides of such illustrations. In this picture |
