The Analysis of Narrative of the Murals of Qutan Si (Gautama Temple)

Marsha Smith Weidner on the Murals, Steles and Tablets of Qutan

Marsha Weidner has three paragraphs about Dorjechang (Qutan) in her book chapter titled, Imperial Engagements with Buddhist Art and Architecture 1. She focuses on the contents of the extensive wall murals as well as on the text of inscription tablets and steles to discuss imperial influences at the monastery.

1. Weidner, Marsha Smith. "Imperial Engagements with Buddhist Art and Architecture." In Cultural Intersections in Later Chinese Buddhism, edited by Marsha Smith Weidner, 117-144. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, 2001.

Entrance

This is the entrance/outer courtyard/parking lot for the monastery. To the left, out of view is the ticket office. The tall building immediately visible is the Western Stele Tower with an inscription pillar inside.

Qutan Village

This is the small town of Qutan opposite the monastery. A large construction project on the left appears to be underway across from the monastery.

Western Pillar

The first of two inscribed pillars. This one is the Tibetan-language side of the Western Pillar

Eastern Pillar Building

The Eastern Pillar.

Door to the Second Courtyard with Inscription Board

Looking through the door from the first courtyard, you can see the entrance to the Gautama Temple, the oldest temple building at Qutan.

Craftsmen Prostrating to the Buddha - 1

This series of murals are in a little nook on the western wall of the ambulatory. They are definitely of craftsmen since their tools are set to the side as they take a moment to prostrate. This panel stands out for the liveliness of the figures.

Craftsmen Prostrating to the Buddha - 2

This series of murals are in a little nook on the western wall of the ambulatory. They are definitely of craftsmen since their tools are set to the side as they take a moment to prostrate. This panel stands out for the liveliness of the figures.

Craftsmen Prostrating to the Buddha - 3

This series of murals are in a little nook on the western wall of the ambulatory. They are definitely of craftsmen since their tools are set to the side as they take a moment to prostrate. This panel stands out for the liveliness of the figures.

Craftsmen Prostrating to the Buddha - 4

This series of murals are in a little nook on the western wall of the ambulatory. They are definitely of craftsmen since their tools are set to the side as they take a moment to prostrate. This panel stands out for the liveliness of the figures.

Craftsmen Prostrating to the Buddha - 5

This series of murals are in a little nook on the western wall of the ambulatory. They are definitely of craftsmen since their tools are set to the side as they take a moment to prostrate. This panel stands out for the liveliness of the figures.

Murals along Outside Ambulatory - 01

A torrential flood unleashed from the upper right of this panel.

Murals along Outside Ambulatory - 03

A mountain rising ut of the water with a mandala-like diagram behind.

Murals along Outside Ambulatory - 04

A very nice water garden image

Murals along Outside Ambulatory - 05

An amazing Shakyamuni Buddha image on the North part of the ambulatory. The curls in the hair have a very 3D appearance that does not come through in the photos.

Murals along Outside Ambulatory - 06

Monk on a boat. If anyone can identify this character, please comment.

Murals along Outside Ambulatory - 07

An amazing Shakyamuni Buddha image on the North part of the ambulatory. The curls in the hair have a very 3D appearance that does not come through in the photos.

Murals along Outside Ambulatory - 08

Another big panle in the series of the Life of the Buddha. Need to return to photograph.

Murals along Outside Ambulatory - 09

Buddha images high up on the panels above the ambulatory. The panels seem to lead to attic space under the roof.

Looking South from the Western walkway

Looking South from the last courtyard

Northwestern corner corridor walkway up to the Hall of the Thriving Nation

The Northwest corner of the ambulatory leading up to the last main temple building

Painted Upper Panels along Outside Ambulatory - 1

Buddha images with very wavy rainbow-colored haloes. Again, these are on the upper panels of the ambulatory.

Painted Upper Panels along Outside Ambulatory - 2

Buddha images with very wavy rainbow-colored haloes. Again, these are on the upper panels of the ambulatory.

Buddha Image Face Detail

Face Detail of Buddha Image

Painted Upper Panels along Outside Ambulatory - 3

Buddha images with very wavy rainbow-colored haloes. Again, these are on the upper panels of the ambulatory.