Mogao Ku Caves - Caves of the Sui Dynasty

95 caves remain from the time of the Sui dynasty (581-618), when Buddhist art showed marked Chinese characteristics.

Cave No. 419 houses a group of colored clay statues, including a Buddha, two Bodhisattvas and Ananda (Buddha's favorite disciple). Note in particular the sculpture of the ascetic Mahakasyapa, who reflects the joy felt by one who has passed all the tests that life can impose. His decayed teeth, deeply-lined face and the protruding veins in his neck all show how this ascetic suffered.

The wall-painting in Cave No. 423 shows the God of the East, an immortal being from Chinese mythology.

Note also Caves Nos. 244, 294, 295, 305, 404, 420 and 427.