Western Thousand-Buddha Grottoes Cave 12

Western Thousand-Buddha Grottoes Cave 12 was built in Northern Zhou (557--581AD). This is a central-pillared cave with a south-facing entrance. Construction of this cave began in Northern Zhou and reconstruction continued through the Sui, Tang and Uighur dynasties. On the western part of the east wall below the gabled ceiling is a standing Tathagata of Northern Zhou. On two side of the south wall are depicted the illustration of the contest between Saripuaa and Raudraksa, and narratives of the Samaka Jataka. Jhese paintings are divided into two levels, beginning from inner towards outside in successive scenes.
The Samaka Jataka on the west side is about the story of filial Samaka. The composition is precise, and the scenes are related to each other. The surviving inscriptions are very important materials for studying the jataka tales. The illustration of the contest between Sariputra and Raudraksa first appeared in Early Tang cave 335 and was popular in Late Tang and Five Dynasties. Though this mural seems to be sooty on the surface and is broken in many places, it is the earliest example of the same theme at Dunhuang.