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Mogao Cave 45: Illustration of the Lotus Sutra - Universal Gateway Chapter - Rescuing Merchants from Bandits
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Mogao Cave 45: Illustration of the Lotus Sutra - Universal Gateway Chapter - Rescuing Merchants from Bandits
CHINA, Gansu, Dunhuang; Tang dynasty (618–907)
This detail is located on the right side of the mural illustrating the “Universal Gateway Chapter” of the Lotus Sutra. This scene illustrates how a group of merchants, upon encountering bandits, called out to Avalokitesvara for help and were saved. In the center, four of the merchants join palms in prayer while another leads a pair of horses with a riding crop in his hand. Their goods and a saddle are placed in front of them. To the left, three bandits armed with swords emerge from hiding. The cartouche above describes the scene with similar wording to the sutra. |
