The Governor's Wife Offering


The Governor's Wife Offering is a large portrait mural on the southern wall of the corridor in Cave 130, Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, created by an unknown artist during the Tianbao era of the Tang Dynasty. The original work has been severely damaged, and see now is a restoration copy by Duan Wenjie, a former director of the Dunhuang Academy.

Introduction

Madam Governor Wang clan of Taiyuan was the wife of Le Tinggui, who served as the governor of Jinchang Prefecture around the twelfth year of the Tianbao era. From right to left are Madam Governor and her two daughters, along with nine maidservants.
The original mural was covered by murals from the Western Xia period. In the 1940s, it was peeled away by a nosy parker and exposed to sunlight, resulting in severe damage to the mural.

In popular culture

  • The 2018 CCTV program featured the costume show "Guantang", recreated by Chu Yan and her team.
  • The dance Worshiping Buddha Lady, from the 2021.