Mogao Cave 276

Mogao Cave 276 was built in During Sui Dynasty (581-618AD).
Mogao Cave 276 has a niche in the west wall with three survived sculptures. On the south and north sides out of the west niche are depicted images of Manjusri and Vimalakirti from the illustration of the Vimalakirti Sutra, which is often painted on the narrow space of the upper panels to either side of the west niche in the Sui dynasty however, the illustration in this cave was depicted in large size despite of the general painting rule. The image of bearded Vimalakirti wears a headband and a dark-colored long gown with a horsetail whisk in right hand, and he raises his left hand upward as if he wants to say something, while Manjusri speaks with fervor and assurance with two hands raised upwards. Behind is the painted steep cliff and luxuriant tress, which is a large-sized landscape of early period at the Mogao Grottoes. The sidewalls are wholly used for a large-sized preaching scene. In the one on the north wall represents a picture of a monk in patched sanghati picking up flowers and a Bodhisattva beside him wears a crown with a transformed Buddha image.
On the whole, the figures in this cave are painted realistic and true to life : the color is quiet and elegant and the lines are unfolding and smooth. This is a new painting style appeared at the Mogao Gronoes in the Sui dynasty, called "Shuti" in the Chinese painting history.