Bodhisattva and Ananda with Lokapala

Cave #45, 705-780 AD. High Tang Dynasty
Mogao Caves, Dunhuang

This group is part of nine original figures (seven now remain) on the West Wall of the cave. All three are listening to the Buddha, while expressing their individual natures and roles: Kasyapa gives a blessing, the graceful bodhisattva stands in attendance, and the lokapala guards the sacred space.