Cave 196, Mogao Grottoes, Late Tang Period (848-906 A.D.)

One of the representative caves of the Late Tang period. According to inscription in this cave, it was built during Jingfu period (892-893 A.D.) in the Tang Dynasty. The wooden roof of the anteroom is the only Tang Dynasty wooden architecture extant now at Mogao Grottoes, providing important visual material for researching the history of ancient Chinese architecture.

The main hall is square with a central altar on which are well preserved several painted statues cast in the Late Tang period, yet two statues at the south side of the altar have been damaged by a clump of fallen rock during an earthquake. The west wall illustrates a battle between Buddhist disciple Sariputra and the heretic Raudraksa, such a theme emerged during the Late Tang period and characterized the era. The whole illustration takes up more than 40 square meters and is the largest one of its kind. The textual source for this illustration is the Scripture of the Wise and the Fool. During the battle, Rardraksa successively transformed himself into mountain, buffalo, pond, poisonous dragon, yellow-headed ghost, tree etc., yet one by one was defeated by vajra warrior, lion, elephant, golden-winged bird, heavenly king, and strong wind which were transfigures of Sariputra. The illustration ends up with conversion of the heretic to Buddhism.

Artist highlighted episodes that may contribute most to optimum artistic effect. The scene of battle between wind and tree is most impressive, representing attainment of ancient artists.

Publishes at : 07-08-15 22:29

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